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Bear Claws, Danish Twists, Danish Pockets (D, TNT)
Source: "Essence of Emeril," with Emeril Lagasse From the TV Food Network
Yield: This recipe makes about 6 of each, depending on size of Danish

1 recipe Basic Danish Pastry Dough (click here for recipe)
1/2 cup egg wash
1/2 cup almond filling
1/2 cup blanched almonds, crushed
1/2 cup apricot glaze
1/2 cup whipped sweetened cream cheese
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1/4 cup blueberry jam

Divide the dough in thirds. OR make a separate recipe for each type of Danish, increase in that case the fillings for each type.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bear Claws:
Roll the dough out to 1/8" thick. The longer the dough the more claws yielded. Egg wash the entire piece of dough. Spread a thin layer of almond filling horizontally down the center third of the dough.

Fold the bottom third of the dough up to cover the filling. Fold the top third of the dough down, like your folding a business letter. Egg wash the dough. Sprinkle with crushed almonds. Cut 2 ounce portions. Make three slashes into the side of each portion, and spread gently into a horse-shoe shape to separate the toes.

Proof until dough doubles in size about 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Brush with apricot glaze.

Danish Twists:
Roll the dough 1/8" thick. The longer the length the more twists yielded. Egg wash the dough lightly, sprinkle the entire surface with cinnamon sugar.

Fold the dough in half from top to bottom. Slice 2 ounce strips with a pastry wheel. Twist loosely into desired shapes. Place on a baking sheet. Egg wash each twist.

Proof until the dough doubles in size, about 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with apricot glaze.

Filled Pockets:
Roll the dough about 16"x24" by 1/4" thick. Egg wash the dough. Cut the dough into 4 squares.

Fold two opposite corners to overlap the center of the square. Egg wash the center portion of the pastry. Fill the open corners with the cheese or fruit filling. Proof the dough until dough in size, about 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with apricot glaze.

Posted by Nancy Berry

Nutritional Info Per Serving: N/A