Every year, for our Jul Celebration, we have a theme.  Yes, we, my mom and I are known as “Martha-want-to-be’s” by some.  I will accept that title! I see nothing wrong with Martha.  Yes she occasionally goes way over board, does some crazy stuff and leaves an ingredient or steps out of her recipes, but I still like her.  Okay back to the themes…

Every year we like to set the tables to a theme.  We have had snowmen, penguins, 1950’s, angels, Vikings, candy canes, candy, gingerbread houses, the sea, hearts, woodland (aka moss, branches, little red capped mushrooms & elf’s) it goes on and on.  We make marzipan candy’s in a shape to go along with the theme.  This year, it’s A B C’s.

We make our own marzipan (your thinking “of couse you do Martha”) because it’s so easy, cheaper and the end product is far yummier.  The recipe is below that we use, although this is a guide line, it really comes down to taste testing and adjusting.

Marzipan:

• a half a pound of blanched almonds
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• maybe a splash of water

Toss the almonds in the food processor and whirl until almonds are finely ground, they will start to naturally form a dough, add powdered sugar while continuing to whirl.  If needed add a splash of water to help create a dough the consistance of play-dough. Form into what ever shape you want.  One super yummy thing to do with the left overs is to form into log shape (2″ x “6-ish) and dip in dark chocolate. To serve, slice into 1/4 pieces. 🙂

Everyone loved the theme this year, it was simple, cute and sparkly… Tomorrow I will share the craziness of our Jul Celebration, I know you can’t wait.