Marzipan

Marzipan, or almond paste, often seems a step too far to make yourself. In reality, it's a simple recipe that takes 10 minutes - and you'll know what's in it!

I've always made marzipan - probably because my mother always has - and because I definitely prefer it. Partly because it doesn't have any additives in it, and also it tastes better!

Admittedly the texture is slightly coarser, but not so that you particularly notice.

Key Ingredients in Marzipan

Basic ingredients

There are four essential ingredients - ground almonds, caster sugar, icing sugar, and an egg. Easily available at supermarkets or online.

Can you use almond flour instead of ground almonds?

You can, although traditionally ground almonds are used.

Ground almonds contain whole unblanched almonds. Almond flour is finer and doesn't contain the skins so is lighter in colour. The texture of the marzipan will be finer and it will look lighter.

Whole egg or egg whites?

I use a whole egg for this amount of marzipan - partly because I don't want spare yolks to use up.

For white marzipan use 2 egg whites. For golden marzipan use 2 egg yolks and a tiny bit of white if necessary.

If you're making half quantities, as I do for Marzipan Stars, use just an egg white.

Flavourings - all natural

My recipe - based on one I learned from the Cordon Bleu cooking school - uses five types of flavours:

• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Sherry
• Orange Flower Water (or Orange Blossom Water)

At the least, you will need lemon juice, vanilla extract and almond extract. If you have sherry (or brandy), use it. Otherwise, add more lemon juice.

The final flavour I add is Orange Flower Water. It's very subtle and I do use it in other recipes so I'm happy to keep it in stock. If you don't have any, again add more lemon juice.

Extract vs. Essence

Vanilla Extract is made from vanilla pods. Almond extract is made from almonds. Essence is often synthetic. If it’s all you have, use twice as much essence and buy extract next time.

The only exception is using almond essence when someone eating a recipe you're making has a nut allergy - although obviously that doesn't apply here.

How do you make Marzipan?

First, you prepare the dry ingredients. If you aren't using a processor, sieve the sugars into a large bowl and mix with the ground almonds.

If you do have a processor, put the sugars and ground almonds in and blitz for a few seconds, which will get rid of any lumps.

Then you lightly whisk the wet ingredients in a small bowl, add to the almonds and sugars and mix until you get a ball of marzipan.

How long does Marzipan keep?

Marzipan keeps for a few weeks, especially in the fridge. All that sugar acts as a preservative.

What can you do with Marzipan?

What else do you need to make this recipe?

• You can manage with a couple of bowls, a sieve, and a fork, but to make it really easy, use a processor, like a Magimix food processor. No need to sieve anything, just blitz it!
• Helix Citrus Press - If you find your current lemon squeezer hard work, try a citrus press. You pull two arms together rather than twisting the fruit itself.

If you like this...

...Why don't you try:

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Recipe