Almond paste

[Catherine Iino]

Is there any way to soften almond paste once it's become dry and crusty? I know I should have wrapped it better to begin with, but I didn't. Also, I once bought a tube of almond paste at the supermarket that turned out to be literally rock hard.

[andiesenji]

Heat it in a very low oven and break it apart as soon as you can, then steam it in a steamer lined with parchment paper for 5-10 minutes, depending on how dry it is. Test it by pinching and if it needs a bit more steaming, do so.

[theabroma]

Warming it gently will work to soften it a bit through making the oils more liquid. Friction is another option: put it in the mixer and 'cream' it. You may in the end need to press it through a tamis in order to remove the intransigent particles.

Depending on the quantity, have you considered making a luxe stueusel, adding it to brioche crumbs and oats, etc. to top a special cobbler or coffee cake?

Regards,

Theabroma

[Catherine Iino]

Thank you both for those quick answers! eGullet is the best!

[Lisa2k]

Here's another idea. Put the almond paste in a ziplock bag with a slice of fresh bread. Seal it, and let it sit overnight. The moisture in the bread will be absorbed by the almond paste and you'll have soft almond paste again.

Edited January 23, 2011 by Lisa2k (log)