Almond Raspberry Stars

Subject: Almond Raspberry Stars Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:52 pm

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

1-3/4 cups plus 2 tbsp all purpose flour

2 tbsp finely chopped almonds

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 egg white, light beaten

1/3 cup raspberry jam

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy

Add extracts and beat until well mixed

Stir in flour

Shape into a ball cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness

Cut into about 72 stars, half 2-12 inches and Half 1-1/2 inches

Combine almonds, sugar and cinnamon

Brush small stars with egg white and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture

Leave large stars plain

Bake on ungreased baking sheets at 350 for 10 minutes (small stars) to 12 minutes

Large stars or until the tips just begin to brown

Cool on wire racks

To assemble, spread enough jam over large star to cover the center

Top with a small star

Press lightly

Jam should show around edge of small star

Let jam set before storing

Yield about 3 dozen