Tag: amy westerman

Recipe: Almond Bars

One of everyone’s favorites and my go-to dessert is my almond bars. I tasted a treat like this while in high school from a catering company and started working on getting that recipe figured out. My final product is a little better than the original, if I say so myself. =) Here’s the recipe!

*These also freeze beautifully. I usually just freeze any bars left over from an event and thaw them out for the next one for 30 minutes, and they still taste fresh.

Ingredients:

-2 sticks unsalted butter
-2 cups sugar (plus 2-3 tablespoons)
-3 eggs
-2 cups sifted flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 tablespoons imitation almond extract
-1/4-1/2 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

1. Melt butter ( I use the microwave) and add the sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
2. Add 1 egg at a time, and beat with hand mixer until all are fully mixed.
3. Add 1 cup of sifted flour at a time and slowly beat until well mixed.
4. Add salt and almond extract (imitation seems to be more flavorful and cheaper).
5. Spray a baking dish (I use a 9×9 brownie dish) and spread batter. Place slivered almonds on the top and then sprinkle extra sugar all over the top.
6. Cook for 40-45 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees.

Almond Bars

My go-to pot lock dessert- unique and so flavorful. They are always a huge hit!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter 1 cup
  • 2 cups sugar (plus 2-3 tablespoons)
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp pure OR imitation almond extract
  • 1/4-1/2 cup slivered almondsMelt butter ( I use the microwave) and add the sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter ( I use the microwave) and add the sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
  • Add 1 egg at a time, and beat with hand mixer until all are fully mixed.
  • Add 1 cup of sifted flour at a time and slowly beat until well mixed.
  • Add salt and almond extract (imitation seems to be more flavorful and cheaper).
  • Spray a baking dish (I use a 9×9 brownie dish) and spread batter. Place slivered almonds on the top and then sprinkle extra sugar all over the top.
  • Cook for 40-45 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees.
Keyword almond bars, amy westerman, dessert, recipe,

Food Review: Curry Point’s Buffet at Bentonville, AR

I always visit one of the great Indian food buffets while in the NWA area. Previously, Flavors had been my favorite. Not anymore!

I decided to try a new (to me) lunch buffet Sunday at Curry Point. Located near Flavors in Bentonville, it looks like a typical Indian food buffet joint, inside and out. Nothing fancy, but who cares?

Plate #1

To keep this short and sweet, the buffet was one of the most unique Indian buffets I have been to around Arkansas.  Besides my normal favorites (they have truly delicious tika masala and very good butter chicken), I got to try many new favorites.
Ever heard of skillet fried bitter root? Me neither. It looks like nearly burnt okra, which doesn’t look too appetizing. However, it is delicious!! It is sweet and savory, crispy and chewy. It was one of the highlights of the buffet and one thing I’ll definitely be trying at home, if I can find this rare root.
I loved a take on tandoori chicken: tandoori cauliflower. This was even better than the chicken because it was crispy.
I really enjoyed a simple Indian take on jalapeño poppers. They were jalapeño halves covered in a cornbread-like batter and fried. Very tasty and perfect for dipping into sauces, in case the naan got a little boring.
Finally, I really enjoyed for dessert these dried fruit and nut balls. They were surprisingly juicing in the middle, while also full of chew and crunch. The texture almost reminds me of baklava, but the flavor more bright. So yummy. 

Plate #2

While this Sunday lunch buffet cost around $14, it was worth it. I barely got to try everything before I was stuffed to the brim. I will definitely be back. Give this place a shot!