Health & Fitness
Butter Letter: A Dutch Christmas Tradition
An old Dutch recipe, handed down from generation to generation.
Growing up in the Dutch community of Wyckoff, butter letter was always a favorite Christmastime treat. This delicious almond pastry is known in the Netherlands as Boterletter, where it is traditionally made into the shape of a letter (hence the name).
We found this recipe in an old church directory and thought we'd share it with Patch:
Butter Letter
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Dough Mixture
4 cups flour
1/2 cup milk
Dash of salt
1 lb. of butter
1/2 cup ice water (ice)
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Mix together & store in refrigerator overnight.
Filling
3 eggs
1 lb. almond paste
2 cups sugar
Mix & put aside.
Roll out dough into strips about 6 x 12 inches. (Should make 6-8 strips). Spread strips with filling and roll up. Seal edges using wet fingers. Brush with egg whites and prick a hole with a toothpick every 2 inches.
Bake seam-side down on a cookie sheet lines with parchment paper at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not overbake.
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We don't make Butter Letter in our bakery, but we know many Dutch wives who pride themselves in making fantastic Butter Letter. If you're a fan of this home made treat, tell us who in the community makes it the best!
