National Marzipan Day (January 12)

One weird holiday on January 12 is National Marzipan Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!

History of National Marzipan Day

Marzipan is a treat made of sugar (or honey) and almond meal (aka, ground almonds), along with almond extract for accented flavor. With a play-doh type of consistency, it is perfect for making novelty shapes and figures to decorate cakes.

It’s believed that marzipan originates from Persia (although others think it comes from China, or even Spain). There is evidence to support all of these theories.

No matter where it comes from, most agree that marzipan was brought into Europe by the Turks through trade routes around 1000 AD. A trade federation of towns (as opposed to people) called the Hanseatic League transported large amounts of marzipan.

The towns of Lubeck and Tallinn are extremely proud of their history and tradition of marzipan manufacturing, and the quality and almond content of their marzipan recipes are taken quite seriously in the present day.

In 1300, Venice began the typical recipe of using sugar and almonds as the base for marzipan. Marzipan is made by cleaning and blanching raw almonds, then removing their skins with rotating cylinders. Then the almonds are chopped coarsely and ground into a paste with 35% of sugar. Then they are further roasted a cooled, and a binding agent is added to give it its flexible texture.

Around 1413, marzipan was first shaped into fruit by the nuns of the convent of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio. Nowadays, martizpan is used for so many things: cakes (including wedding cakes), fake fruits, chocolate-filled marzipan, and more.

Ideas for National Marzipan Day

Here are some fun ideas for using marzipan today.

Chocolate Dipped Raspberry Marzipan

Photo Credit: www.littlesugarsnaps.com

Chocolate Dipped Raspberry Marzipan is a sweet delight. Enrobed in dark chocolate this homemade marzipan, subtly flavoured with freeze dried raspberries, gives a modern twist to a longstanding classic. It's a delicious recipe for National Marzipan Day!

Keto Marzipan (Sugar Free)

Photo Credit: sugarfreelondoner.com

Homemade keto marzipan with only 4 ingredients! This recipe for sugar free marzipan is not only super easy, but absolutely delicious. The perfect low carb treat - enjoy as is, or dip in chocolate or roll in cocoa powder. It's a great healthy way National Marzipan Day.

Making Marzipan Candy Vegetable Garnishes

Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Making marzipan candy is a fun, easy, and delicious way to give homemade food gifts to friends and family for the holidays. It also makes a beautiful garnish on baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Learn how to make these cute vegetables on National Marzipan Day!

Vegan Apple Oatmeal with Marzipan

Photo Credit: veeatcookbake.com

Vegan apple cinnamon porridge (oatmeal) with baked apples and marzipan, a warming breakfast perfect for the cold season, especially on National Marzipan Day! With fried apple pieces and homemade marzipan, this vegan apple cinnamon oatmeal tastes simply delicious.

Sourdough Stollen with Marzipan | Traditional German Christmas Bread

Photo Credit: somebodyfeedseb.com

Stollen is a classic German yeasted bread, that is traditionally made to enjoy over Christmas, but it can also be enjoyed on National Marzipan Day. Generously studded with brandy-infused dried fruit and rolled with luxurious marzipan, Sourdough Stollen undoubtedly presents serious competition to even the best of the traditional British Christmas cakes.

Rhubarb and Marzipan Muffins

Photo Credit: www.kitchensanctuary.com

These fluffy, bakery-style rhubarb and marzipan muffins use flavours that are a little bit different, but they work so well!! Sweet, tangy and very moreish. And check out my secret ingredient to inject more rhubarb flavour whilst helping to get that perfect rise! You'll love eating these on National Marzipan Day.