Here's an explanation of Marzipan that I found that also describes the difference between Marzipan and Almond Paste. For Marzipan recipes, you can click on
http://www.pastrywiz.com/season/marzipan.htm
"Marzipan has been used for centuries by pastry chefs all over the world. It can be used in baking and for covering and filling cakes. Marzipan looks fabulous for colorful cake decorations and figurines. Marzipan has to have at least 25 % almonds otherwise it is considered almond paste.
A thin layer of Marzipan can be used to cover a cake. Colored it can replace the need for frosting. It is also used under Fondant, much like apricot glaze to protect the Fondant from moisture.
Both recipe call for extra fine ground blanched almonds. In commercial bakeries the almonds are finely grounded by passing them through granite rollers. The finer the almonds the better your results will be.
The uncooked Marzipan is kneaded together until smooth and is then stored in an airtight container or plastic bag over night.
For cooked Marzipan add the sugar to the water in a saucepan and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Add the almonds and cook it until the batter stops sticking to the pan. Remove from heat and place onto a marble slap, wooden board or a sheet pan. While still warm knead first with a wooden spatula and then by hand until smooth. Store in an airtight container or plastic bag.
Marzipan can be softened by adding small amounts of syrup to it, if too soft add additional powdered sugar to it."
Every time I mean to ask somebody what is it? And what is it used for? Anybody, please.
