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Marzipan I

Made from almond paste but having a firmer and smoother texture, marzipan is easier to handle. It is used for decorating and as an ingredient in candies.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    1 pound

Ingredients

3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 recipe almond paste (page 149)
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Dust a marble or wood board with a few tablespoons of the confectioners’ sugar. Place the almond paste on the board and make a well in the center of the paste. Add the egg whites and 1 cup of the remaining confectioners’ sugar.

    Step 2

    Knead the mixture together (see page 31), adding the remaining confectioners’ sugar as needed to make a smooth and pliable texture (about 5 minutes). Marzipan should have the consistency of pie dough when completed.

    Step 3

    Tightly wrapped in plastic, the marzipan will keep for 3 months in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer. Bring the marzipan to room temperature before using.

  2. VARIATIONS

    Step 4

    Optional flavorings for marzipan include 1 to 2 tablespoons liqueur, 1 to 2 tablespoons espresso, or 1 to 2 teaspoons extract (lemon, vanilla, orange). Knead in the flavoring with the egg whites.

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