Almond Paste

A mixture derived from blanched almonds that are ground, blended with sugar and glycerin, and cooked together to form a stiffened paste. The sugar content is measured as half of the weight of the almonds or less to reduce the sweetness of the paste. This paste provides an excellent flavor to a variety of recipes for sweets. A paste similar to almond paste that is sweeter, as well as coarser, is marzipan. A bitter almond paste can also be made or purchased that is used in some cookie and dessert recipes. Almond paste keeps well when refrigerated. When it hardens, heat it slowly to soften the consistency.