How to make
Almond cream filling
- Bring 2 cups half-and-half, the almond paste,
sugar, salt, and cornstarch to a simmer in a saucepan
over medium heat.
- Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Whisk egg
yolks, almond extract, and remaining 1/2 cup halfand-
half in a medium bowl; add one-third of the hot
half-and-half mixture in a slow, steady stream,
whisking constantly. Pour into saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking
constantly. Cook, whisking, until mixture coats the
back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes. Pass through a fine
sieve into a bowl set in ice-water bath. Stir in butter,
several pieces at a time. Let cool completely,
stirring occasionally.
- Put cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted
with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high
speed just until stiff peaks form. Fold into custard.
MAKES ENOUGH FOR 6 NAPOLEONS