What is almond paste?

Almond paste is a smooth dough-like confection used in both baking and candy-making. It can be made from either blanched almonds or almond flour, and is typically flavoured with sugar, almond extract, and rose or orange blossom water. Other flavourings, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest, can also be added.

In the Middle East, almond paste is known as "marzipan" and is often decorated with elaborate designs. In fact, marzipan was one of the foods that reached European tables along with sugar, which helped to fuel the popularity of almond paste in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Almond paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, including:

- It can be rolled out and used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and cookies, as in "almond crescent" cookies or Danish pastry.

- It can be used to make candy, such as marzipan fruits, and as a sculpting material for cakes, figurines and decorations.

- Almond paste can also be added to ice cream and other desserts for added flavour and texture.

Almond paste can be purchased ready-made in most supermarkets, or it can be made at home. Here is a simple recipe for making your own almond paste:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (142g) blanched almonds

- 1/2 cup (100g) sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

- 1 tablespoon (15ml) rose or orange blossom water

- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the almonds, sugar, almond extract, rose or orange blossom water, and water.

2. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Use the almond paste immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips:

- To make almond flour, simply pulse the blanched almonds in a food processor until they are finely ground.

- If you don't have a food processor, you can make almond paste by grinding the blanched almonds in a coffee grinder or spice mill until they are finely ground, then mixing them with the sugar, almond extract, rose or orange blossom water, and water until they are smooth and creamy.

- To test if the almond paste is ready, take a small piece and roll it into a ball. If the ball holds its shape, the almond paste is ready. If the ball falls apart, continue processing the almond paste until it is smoother.

- Almond paste can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze almond paste, wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to use the almond paste, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.