Making Almond PASTE~

Claudia lamascolo
Claudia lamascolo October 10, 2010

2 lb (about 1 3/4 c.) whole blanched almonds
4 Tbsp. Water
1 c. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Light corn syrup
1 tsp Almond extract
Grind the almonds and 2 Tbsp. of the water in a food processor till the mix has a smooth texture when rubbed between your fingers.
Hot the remaining 2 Tbsp. of water in a heavy saucepan. Add in the sugar and corn syrup. Heat the mix slowly till the sugar melts, then bring it to a boil. Cover and boil for 3 min.
Remove the lid but don't stir the mix. Heat the mix to 240 degrees (soft ball stage, use a candy thermometer for accurate results) Remove the pan from the heat and add in the almond pure extract.
With the food processor running, slowly add in the warm syrup to the almonds till the paste forms a ball.
When almond paste is cold, place in a sealable plastic bag or possibly tightly covered container and chill. Allow to cure for one week. Bring to room temperature before using.

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The Ardent Epicure
The Ardent Epicure October 11, 2010 02:12
Re: Making Almond PASTE~

Claudia, I am so excited about this...I have thought about trying several times...Love it :)
Have a great week!

The Ardent Epicure
The Ardent Epicure October 11, 2010 02:12
Re: Making Almond PASTE~

Claudia, I am so excited about this...I have thought about trying several times...Love it :)
Have a great week!

madonna del piatto
madonna del piatto October 17, 2010 13:43
Re: Making Almond PASTE~

Claudia thanks for sharing this recipe! Is there a particular reason for using corn syrup instead than pure sugar?

Claudia lamascolo
Claudia lamascolo October 17, 2010 14:29
Re: Making Almond PASTE~

The corn syrup kept it from crystalizing my mom said that was the secret. I am not sure why it would get grainy without it. Some people use confectinery sugar instead of sugar and do a quick version, I tried it and it was pastey, this is a lot of extra work but came out more like the orginal you would buy. I suppose you can try this without it and see if you get better results without it, all I know is it kept it smooth. Hope that helped.

madonna del piatto
madonna del piatto October 18, 2010 11:58
Re: Making Almond PASTE~

Thanks Claudia, I think the original recipe has honey. Almond paste has been used forever in Mediterranean cooking. I bet the corn syrup has a similar effect on the texture. I have never made it myself, but I will surely try as soon as things get quiet here, which is in a few more weeks. I love, love, love almond pastry!

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