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December 23, 2010

Mazapan de Toledo

In Spain, Toledo is the marzipan capital. Famous for making the best delicacies in the country. This particular one shape like an eel or snake is decorated elaborately and garnished with candied fruits is  made specially at Christmas time. The history of the eel marzipan I would rather not elaborate. I am more interested in the presentation of this dessert. I first saw this in Toledo displayed in pastry shop windows. They were so inviting but a little too pricey. I settled for the small ones instead. I was a student then studying about El Greco. Toledo is in itself a museum. Now I make these every Christmas time. I have the same recipe for marzipan but this is a little bit firmer to mold and shape. The usual recipe of very finely ground almonds, sugar and a little egg white to bind into a smooth dough. For every 2 cups of ground almonds I just add 1 cup of granulated sugar but you can always add more if you wish. I brush it with egg wash before baking until brown. The decoration is royal icing and some candied fruit for garnish.
 Blanch almonds and remove skin before grinding several times until  powdered. Mix ingredients and knead well and make the desired shape. You can carve or decorate on plain surface.


It is also recommended to let the shaped marzipan to dry a bit overnight to make elaborate designs  possible like the scales for example. Here is another one that is too flat and icing too wet. I will serve this anyway, and it will disappear quickly!

24 comments:

  1. Oh my heavens! The one with the scales have me thoroughly entranced! I'm sure I won't be able to eat these Christmas creations, they are just too beautiful. But of course, I will taste a little bit if you insist!

    Fabulous, you never disappoint me, Arthur!

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  2. WOW these are just too pretty to be eaten! And the scales on the dough is amazing! Nice work!

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  3. Fabulous, as a marzipan lover I have to try this out. The one with the scales is just superb. Diane

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  4. Wow! How gorgeous and I bet so very delicious!

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  5. Another BEAUTY! Worthy of framing!!!! Merry Christmas!!

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  6. hello arthur, i rather eat the one with royal icing on..the one with the scale looks too real..i better run now before it comes biting me. Merry christmas to you, ho!ho!ho!!

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  7. These are gorgeous,

    Wish you and family a Merry Christmas and happy holidays

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  8. They look like the world snake of old mythology. I'd love to ask you how long they take to make...

    Merry Christmas to you Arthur - looking forward to seeing more of your out of this world creations next year! Joanna

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  9. Hi Joanna, Merry Christmas to you and loved ones!
    Read about the history behind the eel form, It might amuse or angry you! For the designing of the marzipan, it take about 20 to 30 minutes of aimless doodling but if you wish to be creative, about 40. Cheers!

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  10. OMGLOOKING REAL FANTSTIC SPEECHLESS
    MERY CHRISMAS TO U

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  11. Arthur...you really are in a league of your own.

    I just wanted to quickly pass by and wish you a very pleasant holiday period. I'll be back to look at your posts() with more attention a little later ;o)

    All the best and Happy New Year,
    Claudia

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  12. Gosh, you must be sick and tired of hearing me saying how gorgeous your creations are! Well, tough, here it is again .... Gorgeous!

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  13. Wonderful as always....BUON NATALE, ciao Flavia

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  14. These pastries remind me of Italy's 'Gubana' a sweet Italian bread made around Easter. It's also coiled up and looks amazing.

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  15. Que trabajo tan hermoso haz hecho,definitivamente ya te lo he dicho antes eres un verdadero artista.

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  16. Never seen such gorgeous work as yours, congratulations.. again!

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  17. These are fantastic! I would gladly have a piece now. :-)

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  18. I think I would have a nervous breakdown trying to create this - which is why you are michelangelo and I ... am not. This is stunning. It sings of special times, of care, of patience, of artistry and delights.

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  19. This is so phenomenal I don't know if I am even qualified enough to comment on it..
    I especially love how you have given a mythical dragon like effect to the face!

    US Masala

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  20. These are gorgeous and the first time I have seen anything like them...Excellence!

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  21. Sin palabras, nos tienes a mi a mi pareja embobados mirando tus "obras de arte"

    Besos y Feliz año!

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  22. Wowzers! Came across your blog via Miss Maya. I am officially blown away right now and that usually take a lot to do. Big kudos to you on this blog. Ahhhmazing papa!

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Art is in the Kitchen

Art is in the Kitchen
Arthur Escoto

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Napa, California, United States