Cherry Almond Wreath Recipes

ALMOND WREATHS

Steps:

• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat the butter, granulated sugar, almond butter, honey and almond extract in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, then beat in the almond flour until well combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low; gradually add the dry ingredients and beat until just combined. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.
• Pipe 2 1/2-inch rings about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. (If the dough is too stiff to pipe, let soften slightly at room temperature.) Decorate the cookies with sanding sugar and/or nonpareils. Refrigerate the cookies until firm, about 1 hour.
• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges, about 18 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets.

CHERRY ALMOND CRISP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Start with the crumb mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.
• Cut the cold butter into pieces. Add the butter to the bowl and use a fork or pastry blender to cut it into the flour mixture. The mixture should resemble a moist, coarse meal. Add the slivered almonds and combine thoroughly.
• Place the still-frozen cherries in a bowl, add the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch and almond extract and gently stir the cherries to combine.
• Divide the cherries between 8 ramekins (about 1/2 cup each). Top with the crumb mixture, evening out the surface.
• Bake until the topping is crisp and golden brown, about 45 minutes. If the topping appears underdone, continue baking in 10 minute increments until it's done.
• To serve: Add the heavy cream and granulated sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
• Serve the individual crisps warm or at room temperature with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

CHERRY ALMOND WREATH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• In a small bowl, combine the cherries, almonds, 1 teaspoons zest, and brown sugar; mix well.
• Unroll the breadsticks and place side by side. Press the seams together to form one large piece of dough.
• Spread the cherry mixture all over the dough. Roll jelly-roll fashion and press the end to the roll to form a seal. Place seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet. Join the ends together to form a large ring.
• Cut 1-inch slices in the top of the dough all the way around. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
• While the roll bakes, stir together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and the remaining 1 teaspoons zest. Drizzle over the warm wreath.