World Recipe: Marzipan

09 Jun World Recipe: Marzipan

The German city of Lübeck, the birthplace of marzipan, holds fascinating stories about this delicacy. According to one version, apothecaries used to sell the paste as medicine before confectioners adopted it in the 19th century. Another legend suggests that marzipan emerged during a famine, when only honey and almonds filled the city’s storehouses.

Ingredients:

• 200 g blanched almonds
• 200 g icing sugar
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1 tablespoon flower water (orange blossom water, rose water, vanilla extract, or any alcohol), optional

Instructions:

1. Grind the almonds in a food processor until you get a fine powder.
2. In a bowl, mix this almond powder with icing sugar.
3. Add the egg white while stirring, and if desired, add the special touch of flower water.
4. Knead the almond paste until smooth and compact.
5. Cover the paste with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least an hour before use.
6. There are two ways to shape the marzipan: by dividing the preparation into equally weighted balls or forming sausages that will be sliced before enjoying.