The past weekend we hosted Comprehensive Care Pharmacy’s Christmas party in our home. I spent Friday night and Saturday cooking. I was doing really well taking photos and then came “Crunch Time”, that is when you have to have everything done, plated and on the table. I have a bunch of photos to go through and organize and then hopefully I can share those recipes with you.
Remember that cookbook I mentioned in my last post? Big Taste of Little Rock. As you know I LOVE almonds. There was a recipe I was dying to make in there…Almond Strata. I made it this morning and took it to the pharmacy. It was DELISH!
Almond Strata
- 6 large croissants
- 8 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 T amaretto
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond paste, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted (I used sliced)
Cut the croissants crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Arrange the smaller slices in a buttered 9 x 13 baking pan. Arrange the larger slices on top.
Combine the eggs and sugar in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the half and half, amaretto and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over croissants slices and sprinkle with almond paste. Press down with a spoon to submerge the bread completely. Let stand at room temp for 10 minutes. Sprinkle the almonds over the top Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm or at room temp.
Mix together eggs and sugar and then add half and half, amaretto and vanilla
Layer the croissants in pan.
This is what almond paste looks like.
Sprinkle Almond paste on top and pour egg mixture over all.
Toast the almonds in a skillet over low heat.
Sprinkle with almonds and it is ready for the oven.
Since I love almonds and I have a great recipe for Amaretto Sauce…I thought wouldn’t it be tasty to drizzled some of that on top of the strata….yep it was! It would still be good without the sauce.
Amaretto Sauce
- 8 T unsalted butter
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 4 T amaretto
In a double boiler over simmering water stir the butter and sugar until melted and dissolved and very hot. Remove it from heat. Whisk egg into mixture, whisk until it is room temperature. Add Amaretto.
Mix butter and sugar in double boiler.
Whisk until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and whisk in egg. Whisk until sauce is room temp.
Add amaretto!
Almond Strata with Amaretto Sauce 😛
Heaven!
This recipe was under Brunch and Breads category in the cookbook. It reminded me of a bread pudding. You could definitely serve this as a dessert as well.
It was super easy and delish!
Relish Food & Life
Relish Food & Life with Jill 