BOTERKOEK (DUTCH BUTTER PIE)
Boterkoek is usually made with caster sugar, a finely granulated sugar that can be harder to find than typical granulated sugar. Also called “baker’s sugar” or“super fine sugar,” caster sugar has a structure between granulated sugar and powdered sugar. It is ideal for certain types of baked goods because granulated sugar doesn’t always “melt” completely and leaves a grainy texture. You can easily make your own caster sugar by processing granulated sugar in a food processor, as directed in this recipe.
1 ⅓ cups sugar (preferably caster sugar, but can substitute with granulated sugar)
1 ½ cups butter (at room temperature, if using caster sugar; a bit colder than room temperature if using granulated sugar) plus more for greasing the pan
½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon finely grated
lemon zest
3 cups sifted all-purpose
flour
1 egg, slightly beaten
If using granulated sugar, process the sugar in a clean coffee grinder or in a food processor until the granules are medium-fine. Do not over-process as that will result in powdered sugar.
Place the sugar, butter, salt, vanilla extract and lemon zest in a large bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until well mixed. Add the flower and mix lightly. Knead all the ingredients quickly into a soft, homogenous dough. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Set the oven rack in the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8-inch square pan generously with butter.
Transfer the chilled dough to the greased pan, and, pressing gently, smooth out the surface evenly using the round side of a wet spoon. Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg. Using a fork, score the surface with a crosshatch pattern. Bake the pie 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Do not overbake; the center should still be a bit wobbly. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then carefully remove it from the pan. Cut the pie into small wedges or squares. 30 servings.
Per serving: 164 calories (percent of calories from fat, 52), 2 grams protein, 13 grams carbohydrates, trace fiber, 9 grams fat (6 grams saturated), 32 milligrams cholesterol, 128 milligrams sodium.