I was playing around with almond paste, you know – like everyone does on a hot summer day in Texas, and had half a roll left. I figured Odense, the people who make the only brand of almond paste I know of, could help. They did. I hadn’t been to their website in a while, but it looks like they’ve remodeled and added a lot of new recipes, including this one, which is a blondie made with almond paste and trail mix.
Here's the recipe. It's fairly unique and was a fun way to use almond paste, the flavor is strong. I halved it and would recommend doing so until you're sure you like the bars. Also, be careful what type of trail mix you use. I bought some oddball blend with cranberries, seeds, chocolate chips and peanuts. The peanuts were weird with the almonds, so I'd avoid those in the future.
nancy baggett says
Ha, ha--yes, I'm sure lots & lots of folks are playing around with almond paste on a hot Texas day! Anyway, the bars look really good--almond paste always lend great flavor. Thanks for posting!
Cookie Sleuth says
These are a great summer snack! Thanks for the tip on the almond paste.
Adam says
I don't know if I've ever seen a trail mix with chocolate in it, granted, I probably never looked :). I'm a "regular" trail mix type person and I eat all the banana chips first :). I've never used almond paste, though I have passed it a few times in the grocery store. Does it actually taste like almonds or some type of almond concoction?
Sue says
Good grief! I just clicked on the Odense link. There are some really great looking recipes!! If I didn't have to work I would dive right in and start experimenting. That is... if I could figure out which recipe to try first!
Sue says
Well Gloria the recipe for those apricot bars came from..... drumroll..... Cookie Madness! I believe Anna found it in an old issue of Bon Appetit. You should definitely make them, and then you can make these with the leftover almond paste!
These look good Anna, and a little different than the typical blondie or trail mix bar.
Anna says
Barbara, of course! There are so many variations on trail mix these days. At my store we have a bulk section with about 5 or 6 different kinds. I like playing with the different blends, but you could just as easily use your own.
Barbara says
I love almond paste, Anna, so my ears perked up when I read those words. The trail mix would be key, and it's not one of my favorite items. Perhaps there's a way around that by putting together your own.
Louise says
Solo also makes almond paste. It comes in a can instead of a tube. I've bought both.
Gloria says
This looks like a good way to use up the almond paste I purchased, but forgot what for! I've never used it. Now I remember. Sue from Basically Baked posted an apricot bar and I think it requires almond paste- I still want to make it.