January 12: National Marzipan Day

National Marzipan Day

National Marzipan Day is on January 12th. Marzipan has a long history of use in different parts of the world, spanning centuries. It’s a sweet, pliable mixture of almond paste and sugar. It’s used in cookies, breads, and cakes, both as a filling and as a topping. The most notable use is when it’s colored and molded into tiny fruits, flowers, and animals.

There are differing origin stories, some place it in Persia (present-day Iran), other China, or Italy. The most developed origin story comes from Italy. A great drought hit Italy during the 15th century, causing widespread famine. Almonds were one of the few crops to survive. During this time, various almond foods sprung up from almond soup and breads to sweet treats, including marzipan.

Maripan is used in Germay’s Stollen bread, Bethmännchen cookies, Hausfreunde cookies, and Marzipankartoffeln (marzipan potatoes). It’s also used in Englis Battenberg, Moroccan Kaab el Ghazal/Gazelle Horns cookies, Danish Napoleonshatte (Napoleon Hats), Dutch Banketstaaf (Christmas log pastry) and Mardi Gras’ King Cake.

You can make your own marzipan; however, you can find it in the supermarket in the baking section. Pick some up and create your very own candy fruit! Don’t forget to pick up food coloring to “paint” the marzipan.

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