ALMOND PETITS FOURS

Almond Petits Fours image

Dainty, bite-sized cakes are often the highlight of a ladies' luncheon. Our home economists share their mouthwatering version here.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h45m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 can (8 ounces) almond paste
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup cake flour
1/4 cup seedless raspberry spreadable fruit
GLAZE:
4-1/2 cups sugar
2-1/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1-1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
Assorted food coloring

Steps:

Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with parchment; coat the paper with cooking spray and set aside., In a large bowl, cream the almond paste, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in flour. Spread evenly into prepared pan. , Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. , Cut cake in half widthwise. Spread jam over 1 half; top with remaining half. Cut into assorted 1-1/2-in. shapes., In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 226°. Remove from the heat; cool at room temperature to 100°. Stir in extracts. Using a portable mixer, beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tint glaze with food coloring., Gently dip petits fours, 1 at a time, into warm glaze. Remove with a fork; allow excess glaze to drip off. (If glaze becomes too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon hot water at a time to thin.) Place petits fours on wire racks over waxed paper; let dry completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 56mg sodium, Carbohydrate 67g carbohydrate (59g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.