Almond Vlaai Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Electric mixer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Press the dough into the tart pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond paste, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth.
6. Pour the almond mixture into the prepared crust.
7. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the almond mixture.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the almond mixture is set.
9. Let cool completely before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond paste can be substituted with marzipan.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Add a layer of raspberry jam on top of the crust before pouring the almond mixture for a raspberry almond vlaai.
- Substitute the sliced almonds with chopped pistachios for a pistachio almond vlaai.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to evenly press the dough into the tart pan to ensure an even crust.
- To prevent the crust from getting soggy, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before baking.
- Let the vlaai cool completely before slicing to ensure the almond mixture sets properly.

Storage instructions:
Store the vlaai in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the vlaai in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the vlaai on a decorative platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a side of vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the dough comes together.
- If the almond mixture is not setting, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.

Food history:
Vlaai is a traditional Dutch pastry that originated in the Limburg region of the Netherlands. It is typically made with a sweet crust and filled with fruit or almond paste.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and buttery.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the vlaai as a dessert or as a sweet snack.

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Region: Dutch

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Almondy