Speculaas

Growing up my mom made this version of Speculaas for us all the time. It's not the same as the hard, almost gingerbread like stuff you buy at dutch stores but more a soft cookie square. I remember taking several of these to school for lunch when I just couldn't stand to eat another sand which. Not that it's healthy by any means, but I just loved it enough that I could eat several pieces at a time.

Speculaas

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup butter

1 tsp almond extract (can be substituted for vanilla)

3 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. allspice

2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 tbsp. evaporated milk

1/2 cup slivered or shaved almonds

• Mix the first 5 ingredients together
• Stir together flour, salt, soda, and spices and add to butter mixture while stirring.
• Place in a greased 9x13 inch pan and brush with evaporated milk. Sprinkle almonds on top.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.