Seems like yesterday that my mom made masapan (Marzipan) for my son and his fiancé when they got engaged, a family tradition. “If my mother or my sisters were here, they would make it with me. As long as I’m able, I’ll make it, so we can carry on the tradition. You girls learn to make it for the next generation.” And so we have.

As we’ve shared on our blog before, ‘masapan’……marzipan….is that delicious sweet that our mothers lovingly make for engagements, weddings, a brit mila or a Bar (and today even a Bat) Mitzvah. Basically a homemade almond confection made with ground almonds and sugar, marzipan traces it’s origin to …..well….that depends. Some say the Persian empire, introduced to Europe by the Turks; others claim the origin to be Spain. In any case, it got to us, was a delicacy on our beloved Island of Rhodes, and our grandmothers brought it here with them when they came to these shores.

While some from Eastern Europe talk of marzipan being colored and fashioned into miniature, fruit-like shapes, our variation is kept in its white, pure state, made into a simple design.

Originally made by blanching raw almonds, grinding them and mixing with a homemade, stovetop cooked simple syrup, lately we have been using a more simple recipe made more accessible using almond flour and powdered sugar. The texture is perfect and the taste, delightful. I made a small batch this morning as a trial and I’m pleased with the results. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.

This is the recipe my mom wrote down for my cousin in Portland. I’m not sure who originated this combination…. Please let me know if you do. I’d like to acknowledge them.

Using 2 cups of Almond Flour (I use Kirkland brand from Costco), 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Mix it all in a food processor. It will all come together into a ball with a soft dough consistency.

I rolled it into three smooth balls, then rolled out into a rope about 3/4” thick. Then cut at an angel to create diamond shaped pieces.

Our tradition has been to top with a decorative silver ball ( dragees ). These are for decoration and not to be consumed. (although there are decorative small balls of various colors that are edible and equally lovely)

L’dor v’dor. Keeping our culinary traditions alive for the next generation.

Bendichas manos. May your hands always be blessed.
🧿💞🥰