Basic recipe – Marzipan

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Marzipan is traditionally eaten on Santa Claus’ day and in the weeks leading up to it, as children put their shoes near the chimney (or near the central heating radiator) at night. They will find a small present or candy in their shoe the next day. The Christmas stocking is connected to this custom.

Home made Dutch marzipan

This recipe is for a simple marzipan that can be used to be made into figurines.

250 gr/half pound ground almonds
250 gr/half pound powdered sugar (for glazing)
a few drops of almond essence
1 raw egg white
1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water
½ tsp lemon juice

Preparation

Knead everything together into a firm dough. Add food colouring if desired (see below), wrap in plastic and put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days up to a week. Then form figurines, or use as you wish.

Coloured marzipan

Marzipan has a not very appetizing off-white colour. Unless it is used underneath fondant glazing, it will often be coloured. This can be done through-and-through, or superficial.

Painting the outside

The marzipan figurine can be spry-painted, or painted with a clean brush. Use only colouring that is meant for food.

Coloured marzipan

Just knead the food colouring into the dough. Liquid colouring is easiest to use, food colour paste will result in brighter colours. Start with a small amount, and add a little more until you are satisfied with the result. For a multi-coloured figurine, divide the marzipan into portions according to the colours that will be used.

A recipe for simple home made marzipan
It is not hard to make marzipan. It can be rolled out to dress cakes with, or used to make small figurines that can be painted.
© Auteur Christianne Muusers