Marzipan

I don't bake that much for Christmas, but what I usually do,  just because it tastes so much better than store bought, is my own homemade marzipan. And it is also great for giving as gifts in a nice gift box.

You need:

1.5 kg almonds
1.5 kg icing sugar
6 eggwhites
lemon juice

Remove the skin from the almonds by boiling in water (not for long). Remove the skin while the almonds are still hot. Dry the almonds on a tray for a couple of days, and turn them from time to time until all the moisture has gone.

Grind the almonds finely. Then add the icing sugar and a couple drops of lemon juice. Form the dough into a ball and leave in plastic wrap in the fridge until you use it.

Add flavours to the marzipan to make different varieties. Here are a few suggestions: Cognac, coffee, peppermint, baileys and pickled orange.