Marzipan Harvest Table Topper Recipes

MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Combine almond paste, confectioners' sugar, and corn syrup in a large mixing bowl. You may need to work the mixture with your hands to ensure that it is well mixed. To prevent the mixture from drying as you work with it, rub hands with a light coating of vegetable shortening. Wrap tightly in plastic until ready for use.

MARZIPAN HARVEST TABLE TOPPER

Steps:

• Marzipan: Crumble almond paste into a large bowl. Knead in corn syrup. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, kneading well after each addition until thoroughly blended. To tint, break off desired size piece of marzipan and knead in color a little at a time, using food coloring (for brown, add baking cocoa instead if desired). , SHAPING: Each Acorn: Form a 1/4-in. to 1/2-in. slightly oblong ball of brown marzipan. , For the cap, add more food coloring or baking cocoa to tint a small piece of marzipan to a slightly darker brown. Form into a flattened circle and press onto top of acorn. Insert a whole clove or brown marzipan into cap for stem. Use a toothpick or knife point to gently dot the cap for texture., Each Apple: Form a 3/4-in. ball of red marzipan. Curve slides slightly. Pinch bottom gently to taper. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to indent top and bottom of apple. For stem, insert a whole clove or shape a brown marzipan stem and press into top indentation., Each Ear of Corn: Form a 1/2-in. ball of yellow marzipan into along cylinder shape about 1-1/2 in. long. Slightly taper one end to form the top of the cob. For kernels, roll small pieces of yellow marzipan into balls. Press balls onto cob in rows. For corn husks, roll a ball of green marzipan between pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness. On waxed paper, layer on top of green marzipan, draw three 1-3/4-in. long x 1/2-in.-wide elongated leaf shapes. Peel away top layer of waxed paper and use knife to cut out husks onto the sides of the cob, overlapping at bottom of center front, and one to cover the back of cob, overlapping edges of side. Gently curve top points of each husk out. , Leaves: Knead together equal portions of red, yellow and orange marzipan a few times to create a marble effect. Roll out between pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut out leaves with a cookie cutter. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to score veins on the leaves. For stem, insert a whole clove or shape a brown marzipan stem and insert. Sprinkle with sugar if desired., Pumpkins: Form balls of orange marzipan, ranging in size from 1/2 in. to 1-1/2 in. Depress slightly to flatten top and bottom. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to make shallow ridges around sides from center top to bottom. For stems, insert a whole clove in center top of each pumpkin or shape one for each from brown marzipan and insert.

MARZIPAN DECORATIONS

Steps:

• Decide what object you want to make. Warm the marzipan by kneading it slightly. Form it into a small patty and place 1 drop of food coloring in the center. Fold the marzipan around the color and begin to knead it to blend the color in. shape and form into desired shapes.
• For a Bee: Color some of the marzipan yellow and some brown. Make tiny balls of each color and press then together to make the body. Then make 1 more round ball for the head and secure it onto the body. Make 2 little black dots on the head for eyes. Use toasted almond slices for the wings.
• For lemons and limes: Color some marzipan with green for the limes and yellow for the lemons. Shape them into balls then form points on the end. Texture the surface by pushing sandpaper or the fine side of a grater onto the surface to texturize it.

MARZIPAN II

Steps:

• In a large bowl, knead almond paste to soften. Mix in egg whites. Knead in confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time. Add vanilla. Knead until marzipan feels like heavy pie dough.
• Wrap tightly in plastic, and store in refrigerator in a sealed container. To use after storage, let stand at room temperature until soft, then knead briefly.

MARZIPAN

Steps:

• Blend the confectioner's sugar, finely ground almonds, egg whites, salt, and almond extract in a blender until perfectly blended. Cover and chill until firm, 24 hours.