Easy Homemade Almond Paste Marzipan Food

EASY HOMEMADE ALMOND PASTE (MARZIPAN)

Steps:

• Using a food processor grind the almonds into a fine powder (this should take about 2 minutes).
• Add in the confectioners sugar and blend well.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
• Using a wooden spoon blend in the egg whites and vanilla (if using) until smooth.
• On a flat surface lightly dusted with confectioners sugar, roll out the almond paste into a 14" x 1-2" log.
• Wrap in parchment paper and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.
• When rested, cut the log in two pieces.
• Wrap in wax paper and chill.

HOMEMADE MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Combine almond flour and confectioners' sugar in a food processor; pulse until evenly mixed. Add almond extract and rose water; process until combined. Add egg white; process until a thick dough forms.
• Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.

EASY VANILLA MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Mix the sugars and almonds in a large bowl, then rub in the vanilla seeds until even. Make a well in the middle, then tip in the eggs and citrus juice. Cut the wet ingredients into the dry with a cutlery knife. Dust the surface with icing sugar, then knead the marzipan briefly with your hands to a smooth dough. Don't overdo it as the paste can get greasy. Add a bit more icing sugar if it seems too wet. Shape into a ball, then wrap and keep in a cool place until ready to cover the cake. Can be made up to 2 days in advance.
• Lift the cake onto a cake board or plate, then use a pastry brush to cover evenly with a thin layer of jam. Dust the work surface with more icing sugar, then roll the marzipan into a circle about 40cm across, dusting underneath the marzipan with more icing sugar and turning it a quarter turn after every few pushes of the rolling pin.
• Flip the top of the circle back over your rolling pin so you can see the underside of the marzipan, then lift the pin up and lift the marzipan over the cake. Stop once you can see that the edge of the marzipan nearest you is about level with the bottom of the cake. Flop the front of the marzipan down. Smooth the paste over the cake using the palms of your hands, then trim with a sharp knife. If any cracks appear, simply pinch the paste back together and smooth. Leave to dry for at least 24 hrs, or up to 3 days, before covering with icing.
• How long does homemade marzipan keep? Although homemade marzipan contains raw eggs, the amount of sugar, and lack of moisture, prevents bacteria growing when left at room temperature, so your cake should last for 1-2 months iced. The most important thing is that you don't scrimp on drying time - once you've covered your cake in marzipan it should be left to completely dry out, before you then cover it with icing. If you want to make marzipan before you are ready to cover your cake, then wrap it well in cling film and keep in a fridge for up to a week - as wrapped in a ball it will still contain a little moisture. As it contains raw eggs it shouldn't be given to anyone in an at-risk group, including pregnant women, the elderly, the unwell and the very young. You can make a cooked marzipan, which carries no risks. It is a little softer, and harder to work with, but a good substitute if you are at all worried.

GERMAN HOMEMADE MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Place almonds in a heat-proof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Slip the almonds out of their skins one by one, leaving the remaining almonds in the warm water. Drain almonds in a colander.
• Place almonds and confectioners' sugar in the food processor fitted with a metal blade and process to a paste. Add cold water, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon at a time, if the paste is too dry. Scrape the sides a few times to ensure even processing. Add a few drops of almond extract towards the end of the process. Process marzipan until it is smooth and no longer grainy. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a cool, dry place.

FIVE-MINUTE MARZIPAN

Steps:

• 1. If using a stand mixer: Combine the almond paste, confectioners' sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the brandy in the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until everything is completely incorporated and the dough is smooth and pliable, about 5 minutes.
• If using your hands: Form the almond paste into a flat round on your work surface. Dust half of the confectioners' sugar over the round and begin kneading it into the paste, folding the paste over on itself repeatedly. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the brandy over the dough and knead it in. Once it's incorporated, dust the remainder of the sugar over the dough and knead until it's completely incorporated.
• 2. The dough should be uniform and pliable. If it's dry, add a few more drops of flavoring (or warm water) and knead until it's at the desired consistency; if it's sticky, a little more confectioners' sugar.
• Store marzipan, wrapped very well in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for at least 3 months.

ALMOND PASTE OR MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Sift the 2 sugars into a bowl.
• Stir in the eggs and yolks.
• Place over a pan of nearly boiling water and whisk until thick and fluffy.
• Remove from heat and sit base in some cold water.
• Whisk in essence, brandy and juice.
• Carry on until cool.
• Stir in ground almonds and knead to form a firm paste.
• Use as you will.
• To cover a cake roll out into a circle and drape over the cake (it depends on the size).
• Press into place and leave to set for at least 2 days.
• Ice the cake.