Embark on a culinary journey with our Almond Bliss Bars, a recipe that promises to deliver not just a treat for your taste buds but a feast for your senses. With a yield of 2 to 3 dozen and requiring only an hour from start to finish, these bars are the perfect blend of efficiency and indulgence. Crafted with a base of brown rice flour, enriched with the nutty essence of almond paste, and crowned with a layer of sliced almonds, each bar is a testament to the harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the straightforward method and the promise of a delightful twist with the option of chocolate chips ensure that these bars will become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.
Start by preheating your oven to a 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan, creating a non-stick canvas for your Bars.
In the food processor, mix together the rice flour, confectioners’ sugar, potato starch, xanthan gum, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Blend for a brief 5 seconds to familiar them. Introduce the butter and almond paste, pulsing until it is coarse, sandy texture, similar to a beach at dawn.
In a separate vessel, whisk together the egg, milk, and almond extract, by creating a balance of wet ingredients. With the food processors running, drizzle this mixture in, pulsing around 10 times, or until a stiff dough till it forms a ball, coax it gently with additional milk, teaspoon by teaspoon, until it yields.
Simply, press the dough into your greased pan. Whisk the egg white until it becomes soft peaks, then spread it over your dough. With a final touch, pat almonds evenly across the surface, like stars across the night sky.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown, whispering tales of perfections. Allow it to cool completely in its pan, resting on a cooling rack, before cutting into pieces, each telling a story of your culinary journey.