Spanish Christmas desserts are known for their decadent flavors and beautiful presentation, making them a delightful addition to any holiday spread. One such traditional treat is the Mazapán De Frutas, or Fruit Shaped Marzipan. This recipe brings together the rich almond flavor of marzipan with the sweetness of dried fruits, creating a festive and visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into how you can create this colorful and delicious Spanish Christmas delicacy!
**Mazapán De Frutas Fruit Shaped Marzipan**
**Ingredients:**
– 200g almond flour
– 200g powdered sugar
– 1 egg white
– 1 tsp almond extract
– Assorted dried fruits (such as apricots, figs, cherries, and cranberries)
– Food coloring (optional)
– Granulated sugar (for coating)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marzipan Dough:** In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Add the egg white and almond extract to the mixture. Using clean hands, knead the ingredients together until a smooth, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little more egg whites, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
2. **Shape the Marzipan:** Divide the marzipan dough into small portions, depending on how many different types of fruit shapes you want to create. Using your hands, roll each portion into a smooth ball. Flatten each ball slightly to create a disc shape.
3. **Create the Fruit Shapes:** Take a variety of dried fruits such as apricots, figs, cherries, and cranberries, and cut them into small pieces or thin slices. Use cookie cutters or small, sharp knives to cut the dried fruits into decorative shapes like stars, hearts, or flowers.
4. **Assemble the Marzipan:** Place the dried fruit shapes on top of the flattened marzipan discs, pressing them gently into the dough to adhere. You can also use food coloring to paint additional details on the marzipan, like leaves or stems, for a more realistic look.
5. **Roll in Granulated Sugar:** To finish, roll the fruit-shaped marzipan pieces in granulated sugar. This step not only adds a sparkling touch but also helps to prevent sticking and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
6. **Set and Serve:** Place the Mazapán De Frutas on a lined baking sheet and allow them to set in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. Once chilled and firm, arrange the marzipan treats on a decorative platter and serve them as a festive dessert or gift them in beautifully wrapped boxes for a thoughtful holiday present.
And there you have it – a delightful and visually stunning Spanish Christmas treat that brings together the flavors of marzipan and dried fruits in a harmonious blend. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a creative holiday baking project, Mazapán De Frutas is sure to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating these beautiful fruit-shaped marzipan delights this holiday season!
