**Almond Paste: A Versatile Ingredient with Endless Possibilities**
Almond paste is a delectable and versatile ingredient that adds a touch of nutty sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture to a variety of culinary creations. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to expand your culinary horizons, almond paste offers a myriad of possibilities to tantalize your taste buds. From classic French pastries to modern gluten-free treats, this versatile ingredient can be incorporated into various recipes to create mouthwatering desserts, savory dishes, and even beverages.
This comprehensive guide provides you with not just one, but four distinct almond paste recipes, each tailored to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're seeking a traditional almond paste recipe made from scratch, a gluten-free alternative, a vegan option, or a quick and easy method using store-bought almond flour, we've got you covered. Discover the secrets to creating the perfect almond paste that will elevate your culinary creations and impress your friends and family. So, let's embark on a delectable journey as we explore the world of almond paste and uncover its endless possibilities.
HOMEMADE ALMOND PASTE
When a recipe she wanted to try called for almond paste, Anne Keenan of Nevada City, California decided to make her own. "It saves the expense of the store-bought kind," she says, "and results in a lighter baked product."
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 10m
Yield 1-1/2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place almonds in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Add the confectioners' sugar, egg white, extract and salt; cover and process until smooth., Divide almond paste into 1/2-cup portions; place in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84 calories, Fat 5g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 29mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
ALMOND PASTE
Steps:
- Place the sugar, honey and water in a saucepan and bring to a strong boil. Place the almonds in the food processor and grind until coarse. 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. 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. The quality of almond paste is determined by how smooth the consistency is.
- Wrap the almond paste 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.
ALMOND PASTE
This recipe is for those of you who wish to make your own almond paste. I prefer making my own. When I feel lazy, I purchase it in specialty stores. Rose water can be substituted for the almond extract, and can be purchased in Middle Eastern stores, or maybe even health food stores.
Provided by Carol
Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Almond Dessert Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Grind almonds in a blender. Thoroughly mix in confectioners sugar. Beat egg whites slightly, then stir into the almond mixture. Add almond extract or rosewater (see Cook's Note), using your hands to blend the heavy mixture.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.9 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 14.6 mg, Sugar 38.4 g
ALMOND PASTE - MAKE YOUR OWN
You can make special varieties with different flavors by replacing all or some of the almonds with hazelnuts, peanuts, or walnuts.
Provided by Kim D.
Categories Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 2 1/4 pounds
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place the almonds in a food processor and process until very finely ground.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix the confectioner's sugar with the ground almonds until they are completely blended.
- In a separate bowl, break the eggs and beat until they are frothy.
- Pour them into the sugar and almond mixture.
- Work the mixture using a clean odor-free wooden spoon or a spatula first and then using your hands until it comes away from the sides of the bowl.
- Almond paste can be held for several days when wrapped in plastic film and stored in the refrigerator.
- Notes: The proportion of the ingredients can be modified according to the end result that you wish to achieve; for example, you can use double the amount of sugar in respect to the almonds to obtain a sweeter and denser paste.
- You don't necessarily have to use confectioner's sugar, which makes for a very smooth paste.
- You can use ordinary sugar to obtain a more granular effect.
- Eggs: The function of this ingredient is to bind the sugar and the almonds.
- If you use only egg whites, you will obtain a soft paste, while whole eggs give a more medium-textured paste.
- Almond paste made with egg yolks is thick and compact.
- When you are mixing the almond paste, the egg should be added gradually, with a small amount of orange flower water.
- If you see that the paste is becoming too wet, you can keep back some of the eggs.
- Mixing almond paste: Be careful not to handle the mixture for too long: if almonds get too hot, they tend to give out their oil, and the paste will turn out greasy.
Tips for Making Almond Paste:
- Soak the almonds in cold water for at least 4 hours or overnight. It will soften and make them easier to grind.
- If you don't want to soak the almonds, you can blanch them instead. Place almonds in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will slip off easily, and you can discard them.
- To grind the almonds, you can use a food processor or a high-powered blender. If you're using a food processor, make sure to pulse the almonds until they're finely ground. If you're using a blender, blend the almonds until they're smooth.
- When adding the sugar, do it gradually. It will help you to avoid getting a gritty texture.
- To flavor the almond paste, you can add extracts like almond, vanilla, or rose water. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- If the almond paste is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or milk to thin it out.
- Use almond paste within two weeks for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
Making your own almond paste is a great way to save money and get a delicious, high-quality product. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can make almond paste that's perfect for baking, cooking, or spreading on your favorite bread or cracker.
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