Homemade Marzipan

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make homemade marzipan? Gather all your ingredients. Keep in mind you may need a little extra water for the marzipan (boil a small amount separately and let it cool), plus some powdered sugar for dusting.

2. Step 2:

   

   First, bring water to a boil to blanch the almonds. Drop the almonds in for 1–2 minutes, then peel them. The skins slip off easily — just pinch a kernel and the skin pops right off.

3. Step 3:

   

   Rinse the peeled almond kernels in a colander, let them drain, and dry them in a skillet for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not let them toast or brown!

4. Step 4:

   

   Grind the almonds in a blender until they have the texture of thick cooked semolina.

5. Step 5:

   

   Now make the syrup: combine the sugar and water and cook it, stirring now and then. Watch closely so it doesn't turn into caramel!

6. Step 6:

   

   The syrup is ready when a drop of it can be rolled into a soft ball between your fingers. Stir in the ground almonds. Cook, stirring, another 2–3 minutes over low heat. Take it off the heat, let it cool a little, add a few drops of almond extract, and blend it again.

7. Step 7:

   

   You should have a soft, pliable mass that cuts easily and holds any shape. Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar. Put the almond mass on it and roll it out to the thickness you want. If your marzipan crumbles, work in a little water, a bit at a time, until it's pliable. If it's too soft and won't hold its shape, work in more powdered sugar to firm it up.

8. Step 8:

   

   As is, the marzipan can be used as a filling for baked goods or simply as candy. To shape decorations from it, knead in food coloring: squeeze a little onto the marzipan and work it with your hands until the whole piece is evenly tinted.