2/3 c Clover honey
2/3 c Sugar, granulated
1 tb Kirsch (cherry brandy) or
-orange juice
2 1/2 ts Ground cinnamon
1/4 ts Ground cloves
Finely grated peel (yellow
-part only) of one
Large lemon
1/4 c Finely chopped candied lemon
-peel
1/4 c Finely chopped candied
-orange peel
2/3 c Finely chopped blanched
-slivered almonds
2 1/4 c All-purpose or unbleached
-white flour (or more)
1 1/2 c Powdered sugar
1/8 ts Vanilla extract
Heat the oven to 350F. Generously grease two 10-by-14-inch or larger
baking shets. Stir together the honey, sugar, and kirsch in a medium-sized
saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture, stirring, until the sugar
completely dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from
the heat and stir in the spices, lemon peel, candied peels, and almonds
until completely incorporated. Stirring vigorously, gradually ad 2 1/4
cups of flour to the pan; the mixture will become very stiff. If the
mixture feels sticky and too soft to roll out, stir or knead in a bit more
flour, but be careful not to overflour. Set the mixture aside until cooled
to barely warm.
Sprinkle a work surface generously with flour. Divide the dough in half.
Roll out half of dough into an 8 1/2-by-13-inch rectangle, frequently
running a spatula under the dough and dusting the work surface. As needed,
also dust the top of the dough and the rolling pin with flour. Transfer
the dough to a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second half of the
dough. Prick the dough lightly all over with the tines of a fork.
Stagger the baking sheets on racks in the center third of the oven; switch
positions halfway through the baking to ensure even browning. Bake for 13
to 16 minutes or until the dough top is just tinged with brown and slightly
darker on the edges; avoid overbaking, as cookies will become crunchy and
hard. Carefully run a spatula under the dough rectangles to loosen them
from the pans.
When just cool enough to handle, transfer the rectangles to a cutting board
and cut away any uneven, dry edges using a large serrated knife. Deeply
score the rectangles, but do not cut completely through the surface,
lengthwise and crosswise, to yield 1-by-2 1/2-inch bars. Return the scored
rectangles to the baking sheets. In a small saucepan stir together the
powdered sugar, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of water until thoroughly
blended. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring. Boil, stirring, for 20 to
30 seconds, until smooth, very fluid, and translucent. Divide the mixture
between the rectangles, pour over the top and quickly spread the glaze over
the entire surface. Let stand until the glaze sets and turns white again,
about 1 hour. Bend the rectangles to break apart or cut through the score
marks to separate into bars. Let stand until the glaze is dry and hard.
Pack airtight. Store for up to 3 weeks or more.
Makes 50 to 60 1-by-2 1/2-inch bars.
[THE BALTIMORE SUN; November 25, 1990]
Yields
50 Servings