This holiday season, immerse yourself in Spanish culinary traditions with the delightful Huesos De Santo, also known as Saint’s Bones Marzipan Pastries. These sweet treats are often enjoyed during the festive Christmas period, bringing a touch of indulgence to your table. With a rich history dating back to medieval Spain, these pastries are not only delicious but also carry a symbolic significance, making them a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups ground almonds
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Pinch of ground cinnamon
– 12 blanched almonds
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marzipan:** In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, almond extract, and water. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. Shape the marzipan into small cylindrical tubes, about 3-4 inches long, resembling bones. Set aside.
2. **Create the Syrup:** In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, lemon zest, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly.
3. **Coat the Marzipan:** Carefully dip each marzipan bone into the warm syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the coated bones on a wire rack to allow any excess syrup to drip off. Let them cool and slightly harden for about 10-15 minutes.
4. **Create the Filling:** Using a piping bag or small knife, fill the center of each marzipan bone with the remaining syrup. The sweet filling adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the pastries.
5. **Final Touches:** To finish off your Huesos De Santo, gently press a blanched almond at each end of the marzipan bone to resemble the tips of the bones. This decorative touch enhances the visual appeal of the pastries and gives them an authentic bone-like appearance.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the pastries are complete, arrange them on a festive platter and serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. These Saint’s Bones Marzipan Pastries are best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of sweet dessert wine, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or simply craving a taste of Spanish tradition, Huesos De Santo are sure to delight your taste buds and add a touch of authenticity to your festive celebrations. Embrace the spirit of the season and indulge in these delectable marzipan pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
