Ingredients
1 package (7 ounces) almond paste1/2 cup butter1/2 cup sugar1 large egg, room temperature2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawedGLAZE:3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar2 tablespoons 2% milk1/2 teaspoon almond extract1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°. Place the almond paste, butter and sugar in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add egg and flour; process until smooth.
Place puff pastry sheets onto a greased baking sheet. Spread half the filling mixture down the center third of 1 pastry sheet. On each side, cut 8 strips about 3-1/2 in. into the center. Starting at 1 end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling.
Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar, milk and almond extract. Drizzle over braids; sprinkle with almonds. Cut into slices to serve.
