Apricot Marzipan Twist Food

PUFF PASTRY GLAZED APRICOT TWISTS

Steps:

• Set oven to 400 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you will most likely need two baking sheets for 16 pastries).
• Roll out one puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface into a 12x10-inch rectangle, then cut in half lengthwise (I use a pizza cutter for this).
• Cut each half crosswise into four 5x3-inch strips (for a total of 8 strips).
• Spread each strip with about 1/2 tablespoon apricot jam, then fold the strips in half lengthwise to form 1-1/2-inch wide strips.
• Twist each strip 3 times, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining puff pastry (you should have 16 pastries when done, you might have to use two baking sheets.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
• Transfer the twists to a rack.
• In a small bowl whisk together confectioners sugar, whipping cream and lemon juice; brush over the warm pastries.

20 BEST WAYS TO USE MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Select your favorite recipe.
• Organize all the required ingredients.
• Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

EASY APRICOT TART

Steps:

• First, make the marzipan. Mix both sugars with the ground almonds and vanilla in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle. Reserve 1 tsp of the beaten egg in a small dish, then tip the rest into the well along with the lemon juice. Mix everything well, then mix in the cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture is spreadable (you may not need all the cream). Chill for 20 mins if it's too warm to spread properly, or greasy. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
• Roll out the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, then score it lightly around the edges to create a 1.5cm border - be careful not to cut all the way through. Lightly score a diamond pattern over the middle to keep the pastry from rising in the centre during cooking.
• Spread the marzipan over the middle of the pastry, leaving the border clear (see tip, below). Top with the apricots, cut-side down. Brush the border with the reserved beaten egg, then bake for 15 mins. Scatter over the flaked almonds. Bake for 5-10 mins more until the almonds are golden and the pastry has cooked through.
• Warm the jam over a low heat, then brush it over the apricots. Cut into squares and serve warm with ice cream or cream. Will keep chilled for up to two days.

MINCEMEAT AND MARZIPAN TEA BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180c / gas 4 / fan 160c.
• Butter a 2lb loaf tin and line the base with greaseproof paper.
• Tip the flour into a bowl, add the cold butter and rub until the mixture forms fine crumbs. (I do this in the food processor to save time) Stir in the sugar and marzipan cubes.
• In another bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, and then stir in the mincemeat. Stir this into the flour mixture until evenly combined.
• Spoon in to the prepared loaf tin, smooth and sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top.
• Bake for 1 hour until the tea bread is risen and golden brown, or a skewer inserted comes out clean, (except for it you push it through a piece of marzipan!).
• Lightly dust the tea bread with icing sugar while it is still hot.
• Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then tip on to a wire rack to cool completely.