Catholic Recipe: Marzipan Cookies

This traditional Christmas cookie was used as ornaments for the Trapp Family Christmas tree. Marzipan is traditionally used for cake decorating and fashioning edible decorations. This recipe differs since it requires baking.

The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle was traditionally on December 21. Although the feast is now moved the July 3rd, this day still marks in Europe many customs, and also marks the final countdown for baking and cleaning for Christmas.

DIRECTIONS

Blanch almonds, dry over night, grind very fine. Sift sugar over them, mix and knead to a stiff paste with the egg whites, or more egg, if needed. Roll with hands on board sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Cut into pieces size of a walnut. Roll each piece 1/2 inch thick, form into rings, crescents, hearts, bow knots and pretzel shapes, and bake until slightly browned, in a moderately slow oven, 325° F.