Letter (a Dutch Christmas Tradition)
From Grandma C to Becca

Grandma C  would make this each Christmas in the shape of the initial of someone special

Filling:

2 eggs
10 vanilla wafers crushed
8 oz. almond paste
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat egg whites until stiff than add yolks. Mix thoroughly. Add remaining ingredients to make the filling. Chill

Crust:
Never Fail Pie Crust

3 cups flour
1 ½ cups shortening (for letter add ½ - ¾ cup butter)
1 egg
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp vinegar
½ cup water

Mix flour, shortening (and butter for letter), sugar, and salt. Beat egg, add water and vinegar and mix well. Combine the two mixtures until moist. Mold with hands (you can’t handle this too much). Makes two double pie crusts and one single 9 inch pie crust. Chill before rolling out. It can be frozen also)

For Letter, Roll out dough about 6 – 7 inches wide and long enough to form a letter shape at least 6 – 7 inches high. Allow for shape when rolling dough. Roll out to pie crust thickness. Lay filling along side of dough, fold over and seal. Make the filling about 1 to 1 ½ inches high and wide inside. After dough is sealed, brush with egg whites and bake until golden brown.

This is traditionally made for each member of the family. The “Letter” is the first letter of their name.