2 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cardamom

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup almond paste

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Cherry preserves

Sugar

Slivered almonds

 

Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cardamom.  Heat water, milk, butter, and almond paste to 120-130 deg.  Add to flour mixture.  Add egg and almond extract.  Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.  By hand, stir in remain 1 cup flour to make a soft batter.  Spoon batter into greased muffin cups.  Cover; let rise in warm place 30 to 35 minutes.

 

Before baking, make an indentation in the top of each muffin and spoon 1/2 teaspoon cherry preserves into each.  Sprinkle sugar and slivered almonds over muffins.  Bake at 350 deg. for 20-25 minutes.  Cool in pan 3 minutes before removing.

 

Makes 12 muffins.