Baked Rose Water Almond Paste

Ingredients

• 1 lb blanched almonds
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 1 lb fine sugar
• 1.5 lb fine sifted sugar
• 1 tsp gum arabic, steeped
• 2 egg whites, whipped to stiff peaks
• 1 lemon, zested (for sweet almond paste only)

Method

1. 1 Blanch and grind 1 lb almonds with rose water to prevent oiling.
2. 2 Boil 1 lb sugar to a candy stage, then add almonds; stir over low heat until a dry, stiff paste forms.
3. 3 Cool the paste, then beat in 1.5 lb sifted sugar until smooth.
4. 4 Mix in steeped gum arabic and whipped egg whites; add lemon zest if making sweet paste.
5. 5 Pipe or shape paste onto parchment or tin plates.
6. 6 Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) until set.