Almond Agave Rugelach Recipes

RUGELACH

Steps:

• Cream the cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the salt, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and mix until just combined. Dump the dough out onto a well-floured board and roll it into a ball. Cut the ball in quarters, wrap each piece in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• To make the filling, combine 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the raisins, and walnuts.
• On a well-floured board, roll each ball of dough into a 9-inch circle. Spread the dough with 2 tablespoons apricot preserves and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the filling. Press the filling lightly into the dough. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges?cutting the whole circle in quarters, then each quarter into thirds. Starting with the wide edge, roll up each wedge. Place the cookies, points tucked under, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Brush each cookie with the egg wash. Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on the cookies. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack and let cool.

ALMOND AGAVE RUGELACH

Steps:

• Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add 3 tablespoons agave and mix well. Mix in flour until dough holds together. Form into a ball, wrap and refrigerate 2 hours or longer. Divide dough in 4 portions on a floured board roll each portion into a 9-inch circle. Combine 2 tablespoons agave and lemon juice mix well. Brush dough with agave mixture sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon over entire surface of each circle. Combine almonds and dried cherries drizzle remaining agave over mixture and mix well. Spread 1/4 of almonds mixture onto each circle of dough, stopping 1/2-inch from outer edge. Cut into 8 triangular pieces. Roll from wide outer edge toward tip. Gently bend both ends to form a crescent. Place on oiled parchment paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate 20 minutes or longer. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on racks.

ALMOND BRICKLE

Steps:

• Melt the butter and agave in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over a medium high heat. Add the almonds and stir constantly for about 5 to 6 minutes. The mixture will darken to a rich, golden brown caramel. Do not overcook or leave unattended, as the mixture will burn easily. Remove the mixture from the flame and, still stirring, add the salt and stir the cream in slowly. The mixture will sputter and steam. Use a long handled spoon and keep face and hands away to avoid scalding. Pour the sauce into a bowl and allow to cool.NOTE: For easy cleanup, add about one inch of water to the pan and bring to simmer for about 5 minutes. The caramel will loosen and clean off easily.