1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. flour
2 tbsp. water
1/2 c. butter
1 c. water
1 tsp. almond extract
1 c. flour
3 eggs

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut 1/2 cup butter into 1 cup of flour. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water over mixture; mix with fork. Round into ball; divide in half.

On ungreased baking sheet, pat each half into a strip, 12 x 3 inches. Strips should be about 3 inches apart.

In medium saucepan, heat 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water to rolling boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in almond extract and 1 cup flour. Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs, all at one time, until smooth.

Divide in half; spread each half evenly over strips, covering completely. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until topping is crisp and brown. Cool. Frost with Confectioners' Sugar Glaze and sprinkle generously with nuts (optional). 10-12 servings.

CONFECTIONERS' SUGAR GLAZE:

1 1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1-1 1/2 tbsp. almond extract
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1-2 tbsp. warm water

Mix ingredients together until smooth.