Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas Krinklair

This recipe is actually a tradition I started with my family and each year our daughters and sons-in-law look forward to munching on this with their coffee while opening presents. This year is a little different. I still baked, but most of our family isn't here. So, here is the recipe for the Krinklair for you to start a tradition with your family. 

Preheat oven to 375F-degrees. 

In the food processor pulse:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour

Once mixed, add 1 - 2T cold water and pulse again until the dough comes together.  Place dough in pieces in two strips approx. 12 x 3-inches.  Then, press with your fingers to form base.


To make the cream-puff center:

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter to a low boil.   When the butter has melted, quickly stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour.  Mix until the flour has been "cooked" and incorporated.

Place this mixture into the food processor and add 1/4 tsp. almond flavoring.

While the processing is running, add 3 eggs, one at a time, making sure it's incorporated thoroughly before adding the next egg.

Divide dollops of this mixture between the two base crusts and smooth with an off-set spatula.  Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.  Allow to cool before spreading with the icing. 

Frosting: In a mixing bowl, add 3-ounces of cream cheese, 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature) and 2 cups of confectioners' sugar. Whip until very smooth. Add 1/2 tsp. almond extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or use your favorite flavor...coconut, eggnog, etc.)
Spread frosting over cooled pastry. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, pecans, crushed candy canes, or chocolate sprinkles.

I've updated this recipe to share with everyone.  It's still a tradition and I'll be making this up tomorrow morning to have while opening presents.  Our grandson is here with his dad and it will be a quiet morning, full of memories past.  I hope you all have a joyous holiday with your families, XOXO

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9 comments:

  1. I can't believe I didn't get myself up this morning to make this. It is so delicious--I highly recommend making it. Maybe I'll try for New Years. My favorite is topped with nuts (pecans or walnuts).

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  2. I got my act together and made this for New Year's day. So glad I did..it was so good! This is a really great recipe for a brunch and it really isn't hard. It seems like it's not going to turn out (pile crumbs made from flour and butter on a baking sheet and press into something that is 3 inches in width? What?) You know what? it works and is delicious.

    Note: I threw on some chocolate chips on 1/2 and I don't know if I really loved it. Good chocolate shaved (with a cheese grater if you don't have a chocolate grater) would have been much better). I still love the pecans best.

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  3. Oh that looks and sounds wonderful. I'm glad that I read Kelly's comment above because I was thinking the same thing. So many wonderful treats...so little time.

    Enjoy your Christmas with your grandson and his daddy. You will make it a delight, I know you will.

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    1. I first posted this as I arrived home from Kelly's after being there for 3 months with her chemo treatments. We had such hope that the tumors were shrinking, but in the end, her liver failed from all the chemo. I haven't made it in awhile, but I will tomorrow for her son while he opens his packages and I'm remembering her being here, laughing, and sharing stories. Have a wonderful Christmas, XOXO

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    2. Susan, I had the strangest experience reading this. Erin had shared the link on Facebook and as I was reading, I didn't pay attention to the date, and you were talking about having just the boys with you, which all made sense (even as it made me sad) and then...I saw Kelly's comment, still not paying attention to the date, and I had this weird moment of confusion, "Kelly!?". Her voice is so clear, her presence so palpable, and the way that she is still here and yet not makes me the strangest mix of happy/sad. Sending you so much love today, and hopefully a little comfort too.

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  4. Oh my word. THis all looks divine!

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  5. Thinking of you and your family during this time. I know that your memories are both a heavy weight on your heart AND a true joy.

    I send love,

    Sharon

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