Also known as
Marzipan

Description of almond paste
With the fusion of blanched ground almonds, sugar, and glycerin or milk, Almond Paste is made. Almond paste is less sweet and slightly coarser than marzipan. Place the almonds into a blender with a few tablespoons of the milk they have been cooked in. Blend to make a fine purée. Adjust the consistency by adding more cooking liquid if required and a dash of cream and almond oil to taste

How to Select almond paste
Almond paste is a shelf stable product and is found in the baking ingredient section of the store. It is sold in cans or plastic wrapping. This is an ingredient that dries out when exposed to air so store any excess product tightly wrapped in the fridge.

If making almond paste at home, buy the freshest nuts that you can buy. Avoid if any shriveled or rancid. Almond paste should be firm, but pliable. If it becomes hard, soften by heating 2-3 seconds in a microwave.

Culinary Uses of almond paste
" They are used in pastry and confectionery, sweet pastries, in cake and pie filling.
" It's one of the main components of the Swedish traditional dessert.
" This almond paste can be used in and on top of a cake.
" Make them the part of soups, sauces or vinaigrettes to add body and nutrition.
" It can also be flavoured with Orange rind or zest or rose water and added to desserts, sweet preparations, puddings or cakes.
" Almond Paste is ideal for icings - butter icing or royal icing on any fruit cake.
" It can also be added to thicken the curries or gravies imparting the royal taste.

How to Store almond paste
When opened, refrigerate tightly wrapped. If you will be storing it for more than a week, store in the refrigerator.

Health Benefits of almond paste
" Almond paste is a highly nutritious, effective health-building food both for the body and mind and a valuable food remedy for common ailments.
" Nutritious, healthy drink rich is easily digestible than cow's milk making it an ideal wholesome drink for children.
" A glass of hot milk with almond paste can help you recover from a sore throat.