Easy Homemade Almond Paste (Marzipan) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole blanched almonds
1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 cup egg white
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or almond extract) (optional)

Preparation

Using a food processor grind the almonds into a fine powder (this should take about 2 minutes).
Add in the confectioners sugar and blend well.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Using a wooden spoon blend in the egg whites and vanilla (if using) until smooth.
On a flat surface lightly dusted with confectioners sugar, roll out the almond paste into a 14\" x 1-2\" log.
Wrap in parchment paper and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.
When rested, cut the log in two pieces.
Wrap in wax paper and chill.