Ingredients
FOR THE ALMOND PASTE
SHELLED ALMONDS
150 gr
CASTERED SUGAR
150 gr
WATER
40 ml
HONEY
1 tablespoon
VANILLA EXTRACT (OPTIONAL)
to taste
FOR THE ALMOND PASTES
PEELED ALMONDS
250 gr
ICING SUGAR
250 gr
EGG WHITE
60 gr
VANILLA EXTRACT
1 teaspoon
ALMOND FLAVOUR
1/2 vial
LEMON
1
SUGAR
to taste
CANDIED CHERRIES
to taste
How to prepare the almond paste
Step 1
Start preparing the almond paste by cooking the almonds in a saucepan with boiling water for 3 minutes 1, then drain them and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel.

Step 2
Boiling is essential to remove the outer skin without effort: just pinch the almonds between thumb and forefinger and they will come off easily 2. Make sure they are very dry, otherwise put them in a hot oven at 100 °C for a couple of minutes.

Step 3
At this point, gather the almonds in a kitchen mixer and blend them until you obtain a fine flour 3. To prevent them from overheating and releasing the oil, proceed at regular intervals, leaving a few seconds between each turn.

Step 4
In a saucepan, over medium heat, prepare a syrup with water and sugar. Once the sugar has melted, add the vanilla extract and honey 4.

Step 5
Then pour the almond flour into the syrup and mix well with a wooden spoon 5.

Step 6
Transfer the mixture onto a surface and let it cool for a few minutes by spreading it out on a sheet of baking paper 6.

Step 7
When it is still warm, but not boiling, work the almond paste with your hands to compact it and mix the ingredients well together, then give the dough a cylindrical shape 7.

Step 8
Then close the dough in cling film, wrap it tightly 8 and put it in the fridge to firm up for at least 4 hours, better if all night.

Step 9
After resting, your almond paste is ready to use for your sweet creations 9.

How to prepare Sicilian almond pastes
Step 10
To prepare the almond pastes, follow the steps described above to obtain the almond flour. Then put it in a bowl together with the