International Marzipan Day
January 12 · Level 2 · #1824 of 2238
International Marzipan Day is an informal celebration of the sweet paste made from ground almonds and sugar. Its appeal goes beyond flavor: marzipan can become anything from a simple confection to a miniature edible sculpture.
How it is celebrated: enthusiasts sample different varieties, try making a batch at home and shape small figures. Confectioners showcase almond sweets, cake decorations and the techniques used to model the pliable paste.
Sicily has a particularly convincing marzipan illusion: frutta martorana. These fruit-shaped sweets are carefully modeled and painted, turning almond paste into tiny lemons, peaches and other fruits that can look remarkably real.