Makes 1 large letter

DUTCH BOTER-LETTER

My families traditional Dutch Christmas time favorite. Something like a
sweet almond sausage roll (pastry on the outside surrounding the almond
filling) they are great for gift giving.  The long rolls are shaped into the
recipients initials, or alternatively can be made into a ring shape.

Ingredients:
1 packet puff pastry
1 beaten egg

Filling:
315g ground almonds or marzipan meal
1 & 1/4 cups caster sugar (fine sugar but not icing sugar)
2 small eggs
grated lemon rind

Method:
Mix the filling first.
Combine the marzipan, sugar and lemon rind. Mix into a paste with beaten
eggs. Knead well using a little sifted icing sugar if required.
Roll out the pastry into a very thin sheet.
Cut into four strips, each about 10cm wide.
Mould the almond paste into rolls about the same lengths as the pastry.
Place a roll on each pastry strip and brush the edge of the pastry with
beaten egg.
Fold pastry round the marzipan and press the seams and ends together very
firmly to seal.
Twist the pastry into the initials of the people to whom you plan to give
the pastries or twist into circle.
Place on a greased baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Bake in a hot
oven for 20-25 minutes or until light brown.
Cool and sprinkle with icing sugar.

These are best made on the day of serving.  For gift giving you could make
ahead of time and freeze them as uncooked but shaped dough. When you are
ready thaw and cook as needed.

For more info, contact the author Bronwyn Shearer in 
Australia.

Thank you Bronwyn, for passing on your parents traditional 
recipe!