|
The word marzipan may sound a little weird for some people but it is sure a great ingredient in this specially made candy. Let's find out more about this. If we look into the origins of candy some claim it was first made in Ancient Persia and then introduced to eastern Europe where it later came to be a specialty of the baltic Sea region of Germany. The true origin of candy or marzipan is not known but we sure do know is the components involved in its creation. Marzipan is made with ground almonds, glucose and sugar and due to the bitter almonds involved in its recipe its has a characteristic flavor. These bitter almonds constitute 4% - 6% of the total content weight of the final product.
The quantities must be exact in order to call the final product marzipan or otherwise. An exact 25% of the total mix must be almonds alone, if not, the final composition could not be called marzipan. This is a strict rule and must not be avoided if you plan on preparing such a delicacy. The chefs from all over the world know the recipe and use it on covers and fillings of cakes. They prepare great desserts with its use and it is a nice substitute where other frostings or toppings are to be used making a great addition to their repertoire. The marzipan is traditionally used in wedding cakes due to its consistency and easiness to mold into many whapes. it is traditionally rolled into thin sheets and glazed for icing cakes but you can shape it in almost any figure you imagine of. Its consistency and colors make it a great addition as decoration or to be served by itself in figurines. Shaping small decorations or figurines is welcomed by all bakers not only because look good but they are also edible by themselves. We all have seen small chocolate filled marzipan or the small fruit colored figurines served in wedding parties and receptions. If we imagine all of the weddings around the world and being a must in their celebrations, we could make hundreds of books only on variations and new recipes. Just make a point, did you knew in some countris the marzipan is shaped and colored into small figurines of pigs to celebrate New Year's Day. And that is sure one thing we didn't imagine on shaping for sweets. The use of marzipan is endless in the use of shaped figures. In Italy, particularly in Palermo, marzipan is often shaped and painted with food colorings to resemble fruits specially during Christmas Season. This flaxibility is appreciated all over the world and its popularity increases with the creation of new tasty treats every day.
|
