Making Almond Paste

Used in a variety of confections, Almond Paste is made of blanched ground almonds, sugar and glycerin or another liquid. Almond extract is sometimes added to intensify the flavor.

It should be firm but pliable before use in a recipe. If it becomes hard, it can be softened by heating for 2 or 3 seconds in a microwave oven.

Once opened, it should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated. This paste is available in most supermarkets in 6- to 8-ounce cans or packages, but if you can't find it or just want to make your own here is a recipe for it.

 Almond paste Recipe

Recipe courtesy Jacques Torres Chocolate, MrChocolate

Total Time: 25 min Prep: 20 min Cook: 5 min

Yield: About 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons (250 grams) sugar
• 1/4 cup (75 grams) honey
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (100 grams) water
• 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons (500 grams) blanched, whole, almonds
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (50 grams) Kirsch or simple syrup, optional
• Scant 1/4 cup (50 grams) butter

Directions:

1. Place the sugar, honey and water in a saucepan and bring to a strong boil.
2. Place the almonds in the food processor and grind until coarse.
3. Remove the boiling sugar from the heat and pour over the coarse almonds. Blend until smooth. This may take 10 minutes or more, depending on the strength of the food processor. Remember, food processors are not usually strong enough to yield the same consistency as the almond paste that you can buy.
4. If your mixture is too thick and the food processor is straining, you can add a little Kirsch or simple syrup to the processor. Add the liquid slowly and stop when the processor is moving more freely.
5. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow it to cool. When you are ready to use it, knead in the butter. The butter makes it smooth and not so sticky.

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