Food and Wine: Basler Läckerli

I meant to make these for Christmas.  I really did.  But they needed candied citron (I used Buddha's hand), and I couldn't locate a decent one until the citrus boom of late winter, a.k.a now.  So they had to wait.  And despite their rather spartan appearance, these things are actually pretty tasty.  Especially served alongside some hot tea or coffee.  And they keep basically forever, or as long as it takes for you to make your way through the passel of them.

Basler Läckerli (Basel Treats)

From Food and Wine magazine, December 2015

¾ cup honey
⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder

1 large egg, lightly beaten
⅔ cup blanched almonds, finely chopped
½ cup finely chopped candied orange peel
¼ cup finely chopped candied citron peel
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1½ teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

In a small saucepan, combine the honey with the granulated sugar and salt. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey and sugar are melted and beginning to simmer, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl and let cool slightly, about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, stir the egg into the honey mixture. Stir in the almonds, candied orange and citron peels, orange and lemon zests, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, then stir in the sifted flour.

Scrape the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and, with floured hands, press into a 12x9-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Bake for about 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until golden and puffy.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Boil the syrup until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Keep warm.

As soon as the läckerli is done, brush the surface with the hot glaze. While it’s still hot, carefully slide the parchment onto a work surface. Using a sharp knife, trim the edges of the rectangle and cut the läckerli into 2-by-1-inch bars. Let cool before serving.

Makes 4 dozen bars