Nussecken (German Nut Bars)

Nussecken (German Nut Bars) Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the nut topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups chopped hazelnuts or almonds
• 1/2 cup apricot jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl, and mix everything together with an electric mixer until it forms a smooth dough.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is evenly distributed.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sugar together, stirring constantly.
6. Add the honey and chopped nuts to the saucepan and mix until everything is well combined.
7. Pour the nut mixture over the dough in the baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake the Nussecken for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
9. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam over low heat until it is melted and smooth.
11. Brush the melted jam over the top of the nut topping.
12. Let the Nussecken cool completely in the baking dish.
13. Once cool, cut the Nussecken into bars or triangles and serve.