7 out of 8oz... how to adjust this recipe

[superfinespot]

1) this recipe calls for 8oz of almond paste but most tubes i've seen in my local stores only have 7oz. how do i scale the rest?

4 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 (8-oz) can almond paste
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
25 drops red food coloring
25 drops green food coloring
1 (12-oz) jar apricot preserves, heated and strained
7 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped

2) if i do 1/2 of this recipe (which i may), it calls for a 9x13 baking pan. would 9x9 be ok or am i better of with 8x8? this is for a layered cookie.

thanks.

ETA: Should I make my own almond paste? Is that easy?

[Paulustrious]

For almond past just grind some blanched (and then toasted if you wish ) almonds in a coffee grinder.

[greygarious]

Ignore the missing ounce; add a few drops of almond extract. 8x8" is closest if you are halving a recipe calling for a 9x13 pan. You can also buy Solo almond filling, which is perhaps a little looser than almond paste but comes in a can that's at least 8 oz., and tastes the same. (There is or was an almond pound cake recipe on the label that is excellent and keeps a very long time in the fridge.)

[alkapal]

any of these ideas is fine -- i.e., no big deal the missing ounce or any suggested nut or nut paste substitute.

just curious, what is all that food coloring for -- just be decorative in distinguishing layers?

[superfinespot]

they're rainbow cookies and it's needed to distinguish layers. thanks.

[Val55]

I've made these (venetians or rainbow cookies) with the 7 oz tube and it has not made a difference. You can also ask a local bakery if they will sell you almond paste. I would not half the recipe. One of the things I like about the recipe is that it makes a decent number of cookies and you will not have a problem finding people who love them. Just make sure you butter the pans, line them with parchment paper and then butter them again. Enjoy!

[superfinespot]

thanks.

curious - would you not half the recipe only because you'd want to make more? should i be concerned that halving the recipe will effect the outcome or deliciousness (!!!) the cookies?

[superfinespot]

also, does anyone know if it's easy to make your own? i've seen recipes that aren't complicated with ground blanched almonds, powdered sugar, extract, salt, and egg whites.

[Sam Fujisaka]

Either follow DT's advice or add an oz of peanut butter.

[superfinespot]

peanut butter? really?

[Sam Fujisaka]

OK, grind some brasil nuts, candle nuts, pistachios, whatever.

[Davwud]

I'd either not worry about the missing oz. of almond paste or maybe just add some chopped almonds.

DT