Gingerbread Exchange Community

Marzipan works well for making people, animals and other shaped decorations.  It has a nice smooth, pliable texture similar to kids play-dough. It takes color well (use frosting "gel" color) and dries well.

2 1/4 cups ground almonds
1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 drops almond extract
1 medium egg, beaten      

Put the ground almonds, confectioners' and superfine sugars into a bowl and mix together.  Add the lemon juice, almond extract and enough beaten egg to mix to a soft but firm dough.  Gather together with your fingers to form a ball.  Knead the marzipan on a work surface lightly dusted with sifted confectioners sugar until smooth.

The marzipan will keep for up to four days, wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.

You can also purchase Marzipan at most craft stores or well stocked grocery stores.  If you have any concerns about using raw eggs, purchase ready-made marzipan.  It is very good quality, does not contain raw egg.  White is the best color if you want to add your own colors and create different molded shapes.