Almond Paste

Almond Paste

Ingredients:

1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons water

3 cups plus 3 tablespoons blanched almonds

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kirsch 

scant 1/4 cup butter

Directions:

Place sugar, honey, and water in pan and bring to a boil.  

Place the almonds in a food processor and gring until coarse.  

Remove the boiling sugar water from the heat and pour over the almonds.  Blend until smooth.  This may take 10 minutes or more depending on the strength of the food processor.  If your consistency is too thick, you may add a little kirsch or simple syrup to proceed.

The quality is dependent on how smooth the consistency is.

Wrap the almond paste in plastic wrap and allow to cool.

To use:  Knead in the butter.  Butter makes it smooth and not as sticky.