Walk past a traditional confectionery in the Algarve and you will often see a tray of tiny fruit that looks too perfect to eat. Doce fino is almond paste shaped and painted into oranges, pears, carrots, and whatever else the confectioner feels like making.
At home, simple decoration works best, and shaping the figures is a good job for children. The flavor is classic Algarve: almond, sugar and a hint of lemon.
Doce Fino do Algarve (Algarve Almond Marzipan Figures) Recipe
What you need
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (250 g) finely ground blanched almonds
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Powdered sugar, for shaping
- Food coloring, optional
- Whole cloves or tiny herb leaves, for decoration
Cook along
Instructions
- Simmer the sugar, water, and lemon zest for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ground almonds and cook over low heat, stirring, until the mixture pulls from the pan.
- Cool completely, then knead on a surface dusted lightly with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Divide and tint small portions if desired. Shape into miniature fruits or simple festive shapes.
- Let dry uncovered for 2 hours, then store airtight.
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