Here are a few versions to pick from. Tell your Mom we said hi!

Happy Baking,

Betsy
TKL

Maids of Honor

DOUGH:
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. softened butter or margarine
2 egg yolks
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla

FILLING:
2/3 c. whole blanched almonds
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. heavy cream
1/2 tsp. almond extract
12 tsp. raspberry or strawberry jam

Combine all dough ingredients in a bowl; beat with an electric mixer or work with fingers until mixture is moist and crumbly. Divide into 12 greased tart pans or small muffin cups (1/2 cup capacity). Shape against sides and bottom of pans. Grind almonds and mix with sugar, egg, cornstarch, cream and almond extract. Place 1 level teaspoon jam into bottom of each tart pan. Divide almond filling evenly into tart pans over jam. Place tart pans on cookie sheet and bake in center of preheated 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 12 tarts. Ronald, WA

Maids of Honor - England

1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. raspberry jam
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until light. Add sifted flour, salt and baking powder.

Form small balls between hands and put into small cupcake pans. Make a deep hole in center by pushing up around edges. Mix jam and nuts together; fill tarts.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes, until lightly browned.

Top with whipped cream when serving.

Yields 24 servings.

Maids of Honor Tortes

8 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tbsp. sugar
4-5 tbsp. ice water

FILLING:
2 egg yolks
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. blanched almonds, pulverized
1 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. grated orange peel
2 tbsp. whipping cream

Pastry: In large mixing bowl, cut butter in flour until coarse crumbs. Add sugar; toss with water, 1 tablespoon at a time until forms ball. Refrigerate.

Filling: Beat egg yolks with sugar, almonds, flour and orange peel. Add cream; beat until smooth; set aside. On lightly floured board roll out pastry to 1/4 inch thick; cut into 3 inch circles. Grease and flour medium muffin pan cups. Gently fit pastry circle into each cup. Spoon about 1 fat tablespoon filling into each cup, filling to 1/8 inch from top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until filling is light golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 15-18 servings.

Maids of Honor

1/2 c. shortening
2 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
2 c. flour
Few grains salt

FILLING:
Raspberry jam

TOPPING:
1/2 lb. coconut
3/4 c. condensed milk

Cream sugar and shortening; add eggs. Add dry ingredients. Mix to form dough. Take small ball of dough and press into small muffin tin, 1/2 way up tin. Put 1/2 teaspoon raspberry jam in tart center. Top with 1 teaspoon topping mixture. Bake in moderate oven (350-375 degrees) until browned, about 20-25 minutes.