Almond Paste
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 pound almonds , blanched
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
  1. Put the sugar and water in a heavy pot and cook as for candy to the soft-ball state (240 °F).
  2. Meanwhile, put the almonds through the fine blade of a meat grinder 4 times, to grind fine and release the oil.
  3. Add the ground almonds to the sugar mixture with the orange juice and almond extract, stirring until creamy.
  4. Dust a marble surface with the confectioner's sugar, and turn out the almond mixture onto it. Let cool.
  5. Knead the almond mixture together.
  6. Wrap in a damp cloth and put in an airtight container. Let mellow refrigerated one week before using.

Storage Instructions

Store airtight in the refrigerator, or for longer periods in the freezer.