PASSOVER RAINBOW COOKIES RECIPE - (4/5)

Steps:

• Position the shelves in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Heat overn to 350. Use three disposable cake pans and spray the bottoms lightly with pam. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and then spray the parchment and the sides of the pans. Break the almond paste into pieces and place in food processor and process for 10 to 15 seconds or until finely chopped. In bowl of electric mixer, mix butter on medium-low speed until just smooth. Increase the speed to medium and add grated almond paste. Beat until lightened in color, about 2 minutes. Pour in the sugar and better for 1 minute longer. Add the egg yolks and almond extract, beating well to combine. Combine flour and salt and add until just incorporated. In separate bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until firm peaks form. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into batter, then fold 1/3 then the last 1/3. Divide the batter into thirds (each measuring about 1 2/3 cups) and place into 3 separate bowls. Tint one portion with green food coloring, mixing until evenly colored. Tint a second with the red food coloring. Spread the batters in the pans, smoothing the tops with a small offset spatula. Be sure the batter is evenly distributed, especially into the corners of the pans. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops are firm to the touch and slightly brown. Let stand on wire racks until cool enough to handle and then invert each pan and peel off the parchment. Place a sheet of plastic wrap large enough to wrap all three layers on a cookie sheet. Invert the green layer, top side down. Using a small offset spatula, spread the surface evenly with 2 tbs. of the raspberry jam. Place the plain layer top side down on top. Then spread with 2 tbs. of raspberry jam. Place the pink layer, top side up on top. Be sure the 3 layers are evenly aligned, then press together. Wrap the layered stack tightly with the plastic wrap, sealing ends securely and place on clean cookie sheet. Place another cookie sheet on top of wrapped stack and weigh down the 2 or 3 heavy cookbooks to compress the layers. Let the stack rest and room temperature for at least 24 hours, turning it over once or twice. After 24 hours, unwrap the stack and set it on a cutting board. Using a large serrated knife, trim ¼ inch from all sides. Then cut the stack into 5 equal strips, each measuring approximately 1 ¼ inches wide. Separate the strips and place them on a large wire rack set over wax paper. To make apricot glaze, place apricot preserves and 2 tbs. water in a small saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for 1 minute. Pass through a fine strainer into a bowl and discard the pulp. (This can be made ahead and reheated just before using) Brush a thin layer of the warm glaze on the top and sides of each strip. Let stand for ½ hour or longer. When ready to coat the strips, fill a medium pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer. Place the chocolate in a large bowl and set it over the simmering water to melt, gently stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula. The chocolate should not become too hot. When the chocolate is almost melted, remove from the heat and allow to stand until completely melted. Gently stir occasionally. It is ready to apply when it is smooth, tepid and the consistency of chocolate syrup. (If the chocolate becomes too thick, warm it over simmering water until it reaches the right consistency.) Working one strip at a time, spoon about 1/5 of the melted chocolate down the length of the strip. Using a small offset spatula, spread the chocolate evenly over the tops and sides. Repeat with remaining strips. Let the strips stand at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. Cut each strip into slices. Store in airtight container, layered between strips of wax paper for up to 3 weeks or freeze. This cookie improves with age.