Marzipan Recipe: German Christmas Candy
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 24 bite-sized candies
🍬 Category: Candy
🏷️ Keywords: Dessert, German, European, < 15 Mins, No Cook
Description:
Marzipan, a traditional German Christmas candy, holds a special place in holiday festivities. This delightful treat can be shaped into various forms, from classic fruit shapes to thin layers used as cake toppings. It’s not just limited to Christmas either; marzipan can add a touch of elegance to any occasion. At a recent 50th-anniversary reception, an edible replica of the wedding picture was beautifully created on marzipan, showcasing its versatility and charm.
Ingredients:
- 1 part almond paste
- 1 part powdered sugar
- 2 parts vanilla
- 1 part rose extract
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 184.8
- Fat: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 22.6g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 19.4g
- Protein: 4.3g
Recipe Instructions:
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Moisten and knead: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond paste, powdered sugar, and egg whites. Moisten the mixture with egg whites and knead until smooth and pliable. This step forms the base of your marzipan dough, ensuring it’s the perfect consistency for molding and shaping.
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Add flavorings: Once the mixture is well-kneaded, incorporate the vanilla and rose extract. These flavorful additions enhance the taste of the marzipan, giving it a delightful aroma and depth of flavor.
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Shape the marzipan: Roll the marzipan dough into a log and then mold it into various shapes. Whether you opt for classic fruit shapes or get creative with intricate designs, let your imagination guide you. Marzipan is incredibly versatile, allowing you to craft beautiful edible creations.
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Color your creations: To add a pop of color and visual appeal to your marzipan candies, consider using food coloring, cocoa powder, or cinnamon. These natural ingredients not only tint the marzipan but also impart additional flavor nuances, making each bite a sensory delight.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these homemade marzipan candies as a delightful treat during the holiday season or any special occasion. They also make fantastic gifts, showcasing your culinary prowess and thoughtfulness. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for an extra festive touch.
Storage:
Store leftover marzipan candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Alternatively, refrigerate them for longer shelf life, ensuring they’re tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. If freezing, wrap the candies in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container before freezing for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, toast the almonds before grinding them into paste.
- Experiment with different flavorings such as almond extract, lemon zest, or orange blossom water to customize the taste of your marzipan.
- Dust your work surface with powdered sugar to prevent the marzipan from sticking while shaping.
- If the marzipan becomes too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.
Embrace the holiday spirit and indulge in the sweet tradition of making homemade marzipan candies. With its irresistible flavor and endless possibilities for creativity, this German delicacy is sure to become a cherished favorite for years to come.