ALMOND PASTE WITH WHOLE ALMONDS
Steps:
- Place almonds and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of a food processor; process to a meal-like consistency, scraping down the sides and over the bottom of the bowl as needed. Don't overprocess it--at this point, the mixture should still be crumbly, not paste-like.
- Add egg white and almond extract; process until it lumps together. If it remains crumbly, add more egg white, a few drops at a time.
- Use a silicone spatula to remove almond paste from the food processor. It not using it right away, wrap it in waxed paper and store in an airtight container to use within a few hours. Or, place the wrapped almond paste in a freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.5 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 4.9 mg, Sugar 15.6 g
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.
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What is Almond Paste with Whole Almonds?
Almond paste with whole almonds is a sweet and nutty ingredient that is popular in bakeries and pastry shops. It is made from a combination of finely ground almonds, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients such as egg whites or almond extract. Unlike marzipan, which has a higher sugar content, almond paste is less sweet and has a coarser texture.
The addition of whole almonds to almond paste gives it a crunchy texture and adds extra flavor to baked goods. This versatile ingredient can be used in a wide range of recipes, including cakes, pastries, cookies, and even savory dishes such as almond-crusted chicken.
How is Almond Paste with Whole Almonds Made?
To make almond paste with whole almonds, blanched almonds are first finely ground in a food processor or grinder until they form a fine powder. Sugar and other ingredients such as egg white or almond extract are added to the mixture and combined until a smooth paste forms. Whole almonds are then added to the paste and mixed in.
The resulting mixture can be used immediately, or it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Uses for Almond Paste with Whole Almonds
Almond paste with whole almonds can be used in a wide variety of recipes to add flavor, texture, and richness. Some popular uses for this ingredient include:
Cakes and Pastries
Almond paste can be used in cakes and pastries to add flavor and moisture. It can be incorporated into cake batters, used as a filling for tarts and pastries, or even formed into shapes and used as decorations.
Cookies and Biscuits
Almond paste can also be used in cookies and biscuits to add flavor and texture. It can be used as a filling or added to the dough itself for extra nuttiness.
Bread and Rolls
Almond paste can be added to bread and roll dough for added flavor and texture. It can also be used as a filling for sweet rolls and pastries.
Savory Dishes
Almond paste can even be used in savory dishes such as almond-crusted chicken. In this recipe, almond paste is mixed with breadcrumbs and used to coat chicken breasts before baking.
Benefits of Almond Paste with Whole Almonds
Almond paste with whole almonds is a nutritious ingredient that offers several health benefits. Almonds are high in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and several essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E. Adding almond paste to baked goods can increase their nutritional content and add extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Almond paste with whole almonds is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. It offers a sweet and nutty flavor that complements a range of baked goods and can also be used in savory dishes. With its crunchy texture and rich flavor, almond paste with whole almonds is a must-have ingredient for any baker or home cook.
Almond paste is made from finely ground almonds that have been mixed with sugar and sometimes egg whites. It has a mild, creamy flavor and a slightly grainy texture. Almond paste is used in many desserts, including marzipan, cakes, and cookies. Making almond paste from whole almonds can be a little more complicated than working with pre-ground almonds, but it is also more rewarding. Here are some tips for making almond paste with whole almonds.
1. Toasting the Almonds
Toasting the almonds before you grind them will give your almond paste a richer, nuttier flavor. Toasting also helps to remove some of the moisture from the almonds, making them easier to grind into a paste. To toast the almonds, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Allow the almonds to cool completely before grinding them.
2. Grinding the Almonds
To make almond paste with whole almonds, you will need to grind them into a fine powder. This can be done in a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder. Be sure to work in small batches and pulse the machine on and off until the almonds are ground evenly. If you grind the almonds for too long, they will release their natural oils and turn into almond butter. This is not what you want for almond paste.
3. Mixing the Sugar
Once you have ground your almonds into a fine powder, you will need to mix in the sugar. The ratio for almond paste is typically 2 parts almonds to 1 part sugar. However, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add the sugar a little at a time and mix well between additions. The mixture will be crumbly at first, but it will come together as you continue to mix.
4. Adding Liquid
If your almond paste is too dry, you can add a little liquid to help it come together. This can be water, almond extract, or even a little bit of egg white. Add the liquid a little at a time, mixing well between additions, until the almond paste is smooth and pliable. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as the almond paste will become too soft and difficult to work with.
5. Storing Almond Paste
Once you have made your almond paste, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Almond paste can also be stored at room temperature for a few days, but it will dry out more quickly this way. When you are ready to use your almond paste, allow it to come to room temperature before using.
Conclusion
Making almond paste with whole almonds can be a little more time-consuming than using pre-ground almonds, but the results are well worth the effort. Toasting the almonds, grinding them into a fine powder, mixing in the sugar, and adding liquid if necessary are all key steps in making almond paste that is smooth, flavorful, and easy to work with. Whether you are making marzipan, cakes, or cookies, almond paste is a versatile ingredient that will add a delicious nutty flavor to your baked goods.
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