The joy of creating

Coasters

Yesterday I experienced the joy of creating, both while baking for a holiday workplace party, and while making sets of coasters for a customer, who saw them on display at a coffee shop (during the month of December I've got pictures on display at the Dunn Brothers coffee shop on Lake Street and Humboldt Avenue South, in Uptown Minneapolis).

In a increasingly consumer society, it feels especially good to be able to make something.  Not only is the process enjoyable, it is also great to have the sense of satisfaction of being able to do something others will enjoy.

I'm pleased to report I had three requests for the recipe of the Swedish Kringler.  So, here goes...

Crust Ingredients:
1 cup flour   1/2 cup butter   2 Tablespoons cold water

Mix the flour, margarine and cold water, like you're making a pie crust.  Then spread the dough on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Pat to a 12 x 6 inch rectangle.

Kringler and coffee

Filling Ingredients:
1 cup water    1/2 cup butter   1 cup flour   3 eggs   1 teaspoon almond extract

Boil the water and butter in a small pot.  Remove from the burner and quickly stir in flour.  Stir vigorously over low heat until the mixture forms a ball, about one minute.  Beat in the eggs and extract until smooth and glossy.  Spread over the crust.  Place in a 450 degree oven for about 10 minutes, until the Kringler starts to brown.  THen turn the temperature down to 350 degrees and bake and additional 30 -35 minutes.  Cool and frost with almond frosting.

Frosting Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar    3 Tablespoons butter    1 1/2 teapoons almond extract   1-2 Tablespoons milk

Mix the powdered sugar, butter and extract.  Stir in the milk until smooth and of spreading consistency.