ALMOND PASTRY PUFFS

Almond Pastry Puffs image

This tender, nutty almond pastry is one of my favorite brunch treats. It looks and tastes so special, people won't believe you made it yourself. It's good that the recipe makes two! -Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Brunch

Time 1h

Yield 2 pastries (11 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, divided
2 tablespoons plus 1 cup cold water, divided
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 large eggs
FROSTING:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 teaspoons water
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2/3 cup chopped almonds, toasted

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour and salt; cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons cold water; stir with a fork until blended. Shape dough into a ball; divide in half. Place dough 3 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet; pat each into a 12x3-in. rectangle., In a large saucepan, bring remaining butter and water to a boil. Remove from the heat; stir in extract and remaining flour until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. , Spread over rectangles. Bake at 400° until topping is lightly browned, 18-20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to wire racks., For frosting, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, water and extract; beat until smooth. Spread over pastries; sprinkle with almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 130mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.