Posted on July 16th, 2008 by Colin
Know what I am suddenly and irrationally inspired and excited by? Marzipan.
Remember when Snopes debunked the myth of the marzipan babies in 2005? Those were exciting times in the internet world, but I think it’s time we start creating new internet memes by making new ridiculous marzipan sculptures a reality. Really, I just cant’s stop thinking about how delicious those babies would taste if they were real.
Also, I was inspired by the marzipan on this week’s episode of Weeds. Lame. I know. But I think something magical can happen from this idea, even if it is partially inspired by a quote from a TV show.
I’ve been trying to make this happen and am stumped about how to estimate the volume per pound of marzipan. Here’s the dilemma. WWTTD (What Would Thu Tran Do)?
There’s a wonderful company in Brooklyn, the American Almond Products Company Inc., that can supply me with either almond paste or canned marzipan in varying sizes.
Here’s the dilemma. I can order 3 lbs of marzipan for about measly 15 bucks. I can also order 7 lbs of almond paste for the slightly more damaging 36 dollars. But then 8 lbs of marzipan is only 33 dollars.
Is 3 lbs of marzipan enough to make a marziportrait of myself, some friends, a perhaps a sculpture of a slow loris? Should I opt for buying 8 lbs and have a marziparty? Is 8 lbs enough to even have a marziparty? How much marzipan would 7lbs of almond paste yield? Is almond paste a thrifty alternative? While I don’t doubt that a home made marzipan from almond paste is superior in taste, I question how economical it is if my true purpose is more to make edible sculptures and less to please the taste buds.
If this was an episode of Food Party Thu would already have this figured out. Put on your thinking-crazy-thoughts hats and help me out here guys. The marziparty needs you.
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July 17th, 2008 at 6:09 am
all that is in marzipan is almond paste and sugar (and SOMETIMES an egg white or two), so if you’re looking for volume, you may as well give making your own a shot. it think there might be a “trick” to getting the right consistency though, so if you’re concerned about it looking/feeling right for sculpting (ha!) maybe go for the pre-made stuff.
i think 7 pounds is a lot in either case, so you’ll have either have plenty or shit tons, depending on which way you go.
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July 17th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Go with the Marzipan for your Marziparty. And splurge for the 8 pound one. if all else fails, at least you could make a marzipan doorstop.
What’s the difference between Almond Paste and Marzipan?
Both Almond Paste and Marzipan have the same ingredients; almonds, sugar and glucose.
Marzipan is milled to a smoother consistency, and has more sugar. Because of this, Marzipan is more pliable. This allows for easier rolling out and modeling.
Almond Paste’s higher almond content gives it a stronger flavor. It is used as an ingredient in baked goods.
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Sorry, I’m too focused on that CREEPYASS MARZIPAN BABY!
…WHY DOES IT HAVE HAIR????
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