So, full disclosure: this post isn’t Asian influenced. However, being Norwegian born, this recipe has a very special place in my heart. When my father was at university in Norway, he made some additional money working at a bakery. As a result, not only is he a literal bread winner, but he has shared with me some of the most delicious traditional Scandinavian recipes. My personal favorite is kransekake, which literally translates to “ring cake.” It’s a rich multi-tiered almond cake typically reserved for special occasions such as weddings and holidays. These almond bars are the homemade everyday version, found at local bakeries, street vendors, and hopefully in your tummies!

Norwegian Almond Bars (Yields 24 bars)
• 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, grind 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to make 1/4 cup of coarse ground almonds.

2. Combine ground almonds, flour, sugar, butter, egg, cinnamon, and salt. Beat at low speed for 2-3 minutes. 3. Use a spatula to press dough thinly (no more than 1/8 inch thickness) onto a large baking sheet. Beat egg white until foamy and brush over pressed dough. Sprinkle on remaining sliced almonds and bake for 15-18 minutes.

4. Remove from oven and cut into 2 inch squares immediately. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.