Lebkuchen (Spice Bars with Almond Glaze) rec.food.recipes/Barbara Heller (1998) Makes 4 dozen bars
1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp allspice; ground 1/4 tsp cloves; ground 1/2 tsp salt 2 1/4 cups unbleached flour; unsifted 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup almonds, ground 1 tsp lemon rind; grated 2 large eggs 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup honey 1/2 cup milk
ALMOND GLAZE 1 cup confectioners' sugar 1/2 tsp almond extract 1 tsp rum 1 tbsp water
Stir together the spices, salt flour, and baking powder. Stir in the almonds and lemon rind. In a separate bowl beat the eggs and sugar until a ribbon is formed when the beater is removed. Stir in the honey and milk.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture; beat until smooth. Spread the batter in an 11 X 17-inch jelly roll pan that is well greased and floured.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cake is done.
While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a wire rack. To make the almond glaze, mix the confectioners' sugar, almond extract, rum, and 1 to 2 T of water. Beat until glaze is smooth and of the right consistency. Add more water to thin if necessary. Spread the warm cake with the almond glaze.
Cut cake into 1x2 1/2-inch bars while still warm. Spice bars keep 6 to 8 weeks in a sealed container if not glazed.
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