Homemade Marzipan Pig for New Years
Learn how to shape a Marzipan Pig. In Germany this sweet treat is traditionally gifted around Christmas and New Year to bring good luck
Servings 1 pig
Equipment
- 1 toothpick
- 1 knife
- 1 non-stick silicon baking mat optional
Ingredients
- 3 oz almond paste see how to make homemade German Marzipan
- 1 cups powdered sugar UK icing sugar
- red food colouring
- green food coloring
Instructions
Prepare Your Marzipan
- You’ll need approximately one large thumb-sized piece (100 g / 3.5 oz) of marzipan for each pig and clover. Start by combining the almond paste with more powdered sugar to make it more elastic and easier to shape.
Add Food Colouring
- Remove ¼ of the large marzipan piece and reserve it for the clover. Apply a small amount of red food coloring directly to the larger marzipan piece. Remember, a tiny bit goes a long way! Roll the marzipan between your hands to evenly distribute the color. Aim for a smooth and uniform hue of pink.
- Repeat the step with the green food colouring
Shape the Pig
- Shape the pink marzipan into a roll and then slice off half for the body, a quarter for the head, and a quarter for the remaining body parts.
- Roll the larger piece of marzipan into an oval shape for the body and the smaller piece into a small ball for the head. Press the head firmly onto the body.
- Shape and attach four small cylindrical pieces for the legs. Attach the legs with a dab of water to the body. Slice the legs with a sharp knife so they resemble pig trotters.
- For the snout, shape the marzipan into a little ball and then press flat with your fingers. Using a toothpick indent the marzipan to make the nostrils. Stick onto the pig's face. To make the pig's tail roll a tin piece of marzipan and then wrap it around the toothpick to create a swirly pattern. Stick it onto the bottom of the pig.
- To make the eyes I simply indented the head with a toothpick. You can also use black sugar pearls if you like.
Shape the clover
- Roll the green marzipan into a ball and then press flat with the palm of your hand. Then make four slits. Fold over the sides to shape into leaves.
