🍰 Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares 🍰
📜 History:
Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares are a delightful dessert that has been a family favorite for generations. The recipe originated from Aunt Helen, a beloved family member with a passion for creating delicious treats. Over the years, this dessert has become a cherished tradition at family gatherings and special occasions.
🧁 Components:
- 1 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of raspberry jam
- 1 cup of slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (for dusting)
⏱️ Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares is approximately 1 hour, including both preparation and baking time.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add Almond Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract, giving the batter a lovely almond flavor.
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Mix in Flour: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, blending until a crumbly dough forms.
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Press the Dough: Take approximately 2/3 of the dough and press it into the bottom of your greased baking pan, creating an even layer.
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Spread Raspberry Jam: Spread 1 cup of raspberry jam evenly over the dough layer.
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Sprinkle Almonds: Sprinkle 1 cup of slivered almonds on top of the raspberry jam.
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Crumble the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining 1/3 of the dough and crumble it over the raspberry and almond layer.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
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Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan. After it has cooled, dust the top with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
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Cut into Squares: Once completely cooled and set, cut the dessert into squares and serve!
These Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares are a perfect combination of buttery, almond-infused crust, sweet raspberry jam, and a delightful almond crunch on top. They make for a wonderful treat at family gatherings and special occasions, carrying on the tradition of Aunt Helen’s delicious creation. Enjoy! 🍰😊
Certainly! Here’s the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 2g
Health Information:
Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares are undeniably delicious, but they are also a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and butter content. Here’s some health information to consider:
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Calorie Content: Each serving contains around 250 calories. While this is a relatively moderate amount, be mindful of your overall daily calorie intake, especially if you are watching your weight.
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Fat: These squares contain 12g of fat per serving, with 6g of saturated fat. Saturated fat can contribute to high cholesterol levels when consumed in excess, so it’s important to enjoy these treats as an occasional indulgence.
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Sugar: Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares contain 19g of sugar per serving. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with various health concerns, including weight gain and dental issues. Limit your intake of sugary treats like these.
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Nutrition Balance: While these squares may not be a nutritional powerhouse, they can be a delightful occasional treat. To balance your diet, enjoy them in moderation and incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your meals.
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Allergens: Be aware that this recipe contains almonds. If you or someone you are serving has nut allergies, it’s essential to take precautions and consider alternative ingredients.
In summary, Aunt Helen’s Almond-Raspberry Rice Squares are a delightful dessert but should be enjoyed sparingly as part of a balanced diet. Their high sugar and fat content means they’re best reserved for special occasions and not for daily consumption to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 🍰😊