Mortar-Pounded Bitter Sweet Almond Paste

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb bitter almonds, shelled
• 1.5 lb sweet almonds, shelled
• Rose water
• 1.5 lb loaf sugar, finely powdered

Method

1. 1 Blanch the bitter and sweet almonds.
2. 2 Pound the almonds in a mortar, adding rose water frequently to keep them white and prevent oiliness.
3. 3 Pound almonds into a fine smooth paste.
4. 4 Mix in the powdered sugar, pounding thoroughly to incorporate.
5. 5 Add a little more rose water while pounding.
6. 6 Store in small covered pots in a cool, dry place.