Baking Basics: Marzipan

Being at Mama and Papa's house this weekend, I decided to make some marzipan because Dad and I both like it (and thats as good a reason as any, right?). Marzipan is really versatile, and great to colour and shape to make marzipan fruits or what have you. This recipe is great because its quick and you don't need to cook it like in other recipes. This is from the perennial favourite of our household for Christmas treats, The Book of Chocolates and Petits Fours.

MARZIPAN
Makes 500g


250g ground almonds
250g icing sugar + extra for dusting
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp sherry or brandy
almond essence
2 egg whites

1. Combine almonds and sugar in a bowl.

2. Add lemon juice, sherry or brandy (as you wish), and a few drops of almond essence.

3. Gradually mix in the egg whites, making sure that the pastry is sticky but not wet (YA-HOY).

4. Dust a pastry board with the extra icing sugar and knead the marzipan until smooth.

5. Break off a bit and eat it. You know you want to.