How to Convert Almonds to Almond Paste

Use almond paste in desserts.

Cooks who wish to create almond-flavored pastries will need to use an almond paste. This mixture is similar to marzipan but less sweet and is made up of around 50 to 55 percent sugar. Properly made almond paste can take at least a week for the flavors to fully ripen. Make a large batch to save time as the paste can be used for up to six months as long as it is kept refrigerated.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups whole almonds
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbs. light corn syrup
• Candy thermometer
• Almond extract
• Food processor

1. Boil some water and pour the water on the almonds. Cover the container for a minute and let the almonds soak.

2. Drain the almonds and peel off the skin.

3. Heat an oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Add 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 tbs. light corn syrup to a saucepan and cook on the stove until the mixture is 235 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Add a few drops of almond extract to the pan.

6. Put the soaked almonds in a food processor and grind them up until smooth. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to make the mixture smooth.

7. Slowly add the heated pan mixture into the food processor and run the processor until the entire mixture is a consistent, smooth texture.

8. Remove the paste from the processor, put it into a closed container and refrigerate.

References

• RecipeLink: The Savory Way Cookbook