The Swedish Semla or Lent Buns

INGREDIENTS

• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 packet dry yeast or 50g of fresh yeast
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups wheat flour
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 2 eggs, beaten (one for brushing)
• Filling:
• 10 oz. almond paste (recipe below)
• 1/2 cup milk (only if you are using almond paste that is store brought)
• 1 1/2 cup whipping cream
• confection sugar
• Almond paste:
• 4 oz or 3/4 cups almonds or 3/4 cups almond meal (you can get this at Trade Joes)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 sugar