Marzipan

Marzipan is a sweet, pliable paste made of very finely ground almonds mixed with sugar (or icing sugar) to a uniform, dough-like consistency. It is an ancient treat with a rich history, common in the confectionery traditions of many European countries, especially Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Thanks to its high content of almond fat, marzipan paste is exceptionally pliable, like soft clay, so it is easy to model. This determines its main uses. Firstly, miniature edible figures are modelled from marzipan — fruit, vegetables, animals, flowers — often painted with food colours; it is a true confectionery art. Secondly, thinly rolled marzipan is used to cover cakes (especially wedding and Christmas ones), creating a smooth base under the glaze. Thirdly, marzipan is a filling for sweets and chocolate and for baking (stollen, pastries), and it is coated in chocolate. The flavour of marzipan is richly sweet, with a pronounced almond aroma and a tender, slightly grainy texture. Quality marzipan with a high almond content is especially prized. This ancient, refined almond treat combines a pleasant flavour with boundless possibilities for the confectioner's creativity.