Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, honey, and egg to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in the chopped almonds and candied orange peel.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12 bars
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 240
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chopped almonds, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans.
- If you don't have candied orange peel, you can use candied lemon peel or omit it altogether.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before adding it to the dough.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
The bars can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bars on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Pairings:
Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or a cheese plate.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from going stale.
Food history:
Aachener Printen Bars are a traditional German Christmas treat that originated in the city of Aachen.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a spicy, sweet flavor with a crunchy texture from the chopped almonds and candied orange peel.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars as a dessert or snack during the holiday season.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: German
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Spicy, Caramelized, Aromatic