Almond paste
is a substance made from ground almonds and sugar, and is used in many different baked goods including cookies and muffins--you can even use it in pancakes. Almond paste is sometimes referred to as marzipan, though these two foodstuffs are not exactly alike. Marzipan is a kind of almond paste that is pliable and can be used to create candies and intricate designs to decorate pastries. Almond paste for the home cook is not hard to make.
Instructions
1. Toast 1 1/3 slivered almonds in the oven at 300 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes. You can use whole almonds, but make sure the skins have been removed. Take the nuts out of the oven before they have a chance to brown, and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Put the almonds into a food processor and pulse until ground finely. You can use a blender if you do not have a food processor.
3. Add 2 cups of confectioner's (powdered) sugar and 2 tbsp. of water to the food processor. Process until the almonds and sugar form a paste. If the mixture is crumbly and does not come together easily, add another tablespoon of water.
4. Intensify the almond paste flavor by adding ½ tsp. of almond extract. This ingredient is optional.
5. Take the almond paste out of the food processor and roll it into a ball or log with your hands. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
Tags: food processor, Almond paste, almonds sugar