Almond paste

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  Almond paste (Amandelspijs)

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  Fish-shaped almond paste

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  Easter lamb almond paste

Almond Paste

Almond paste is a sweet, pliable mixture made primarily from ground almonds and sugar. It is commonly used in baking and confectionery to add flavor and texture to a variety of desserts and pastries.

Composition

Almond paste is typically composed of blanched almonds, which are finely ground and mixed with sugar. The mixture may also include a small amount of glucose syrup or corn syrup to enhance its texture and pliability. Some recipes incorporate egg whites to bind the ingredients together, although this is not always necessary.

Uses

Almond paste is a versatile ingredient in the culinary world. It is often used as a filling for pastries such as croissants, danishes, and tarts. It can also be used to make marzipan, a similar almond-based confection that is sweeter and more pliable, often used for sculpting decorative shapes and figures.

In addition to its use in pastries, almond paste is a key ingredient in traditional desserts such as stollen, a German fruit bread, and pignoli cookies, an Italian cookie made with pine nuts.

Preparation

To prepare almond paste, blanched almonds are ground to a fine consistency, often using a food processor. The ground almonds are then mixed with sugar and any additional ingredients, such as glucose syrup or egg whites, until a smooth, cohesive paste is formed. The paste can be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Differences from Marzipan

While almond paste and marzipan are similar, they differ in their sugar content and texture. Almond paste contains less sugar than marzipan, making it less sweet and more suitable for baking. Marzipan, on the other hand, is sweeter and more pliable, making it ideal for decorative purposes.

Related Pages

• Marzipan
• Frangipane
• Pastry
• Confectionery

Confectionery Overview
	Confectionery refers to sweets that are typically rich in sugar and enjoyed as desserts or snacks. This category includes a variety of treats such as: Candy - Chocolate - Chewing gum - Marzipan - Marshmallows - Licorice - Nougat