In my family, we have been making marzipan since I was a wee little gal. We don't go as far as blanching, peeling and grinding our almonds, but it is a long process. However, the end result is like nothing else. Granted, it is an acquired taste, and I remember taking some to school to share with my friends. Seeing their faces turn funny and noting their displeasure made me realize that it wasn't for everyone. Fine. I hoarded my stash from then until adulthood, when I ventured out into sharing this delicate delight once again. Lucky for me, my husband likes them OK. He even sits down to shape fruit and vegetables with me about a week before Christmas while we sit in front of a Christmas classic movie. We don't start with marzipan, though, but almond paste.
Anyway, knowing that I enjoy marzipan like I do, he was sweet enough to track down and score some for me while abroad in Austria, so I thought I'd share these little gems with you...real marzipan! From a confectionery and cafe called Aida in Vienna that has been around for quite some time--1913.
Aren't they beautiful though? (I think so)
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The bars to the left are from Cafe Konditorei, since 1884, in Salzburg.
