Growing up very close to my German granny meant all kinds of great things at Christmas time. Not only did I get to open some of my presents on Christmas Eve, but we also had the best food… Stollen (with thick butter), lebkuchen by the bucketload, rumtopf (was rarely allowed to try this due to overproof alcohol content!), and of course tons of marzipan. I have very vivid memories of making marzipankugeln – rolling marzipan into balls, covering it in cocoa powder and giving them out as gifts. A pretty gourmet effort for a five-year-old.
26 years later, I felt like it was time to up my marzipan game. I’ve coated these in dark chocolate and topped them with cranberries and pistachios for a grown-up version of my childhood favourite. So easy to make, so easy to eat. Scroll down for the how to.
You will need:
– a block of marzipan
– dark chocolate, 85% cocoa
– Chopped pistachios and dried cranberries
Cut your marzipan block into equal sections, then roll each one into a ball. Put a handful of chocolate pieces into a microwave safe bowl, and heat for ten seconds at a time, stirring in between until it is fully melted (don’t let it boil!). Place the marzipan balls on a wire rack with something underneath to catch the drips. Pour a tablespoon of chocolate over each one, letting it run down the sides to fully coat the marzipan. While the chocolate is still liquid, top with chopped pistachio and dried cranberries, or whatever takes your fancy.
Leave your marzipan treats to set, then carefully remove them from the wire using a small knife.
P.S. Because I’m in Australia where it is currently scorchio, my chocolate was never going to set while out on the table so I popped it in the fridge. I am pretty sure they would have been more shiny if left out to set.
P.P.S. Did you spot my Frankfurt weihnachtsmarkt gluhwein mug?! I’ve had it for years, it’s the best.
