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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Mazapanes de Cacahuate {Peanut Marzipans}

Take a close look.  Now tell me...what do these look like to you?  And don't say Mazapanes de Cacahuate.  I mean, what else do they look like?  Let me give you a hint.  It's one of two components that make a much-loved, favorite-of-many sweet treat.  The most popular store bought version comes wrapped in brown paper and slides out of an orange, yellow and brown wrapper. I've made them before.  Yup.  They look like the inside of a peanut butter cup!  And you know what?  They taste like one, too.  I've never noticed the mazapanes de cacahuate that I bought from the Mexican market tasting like that, but I'm okay with that.  I remember them as being a bit chalkier (not in a bad way...if you can picture that).  They've always been a favorite of the hubs; he'll pick one up when he wants a sweet snack.  And I liked them...but I didn't go out of my way to get one.  But this version...oh yeah...I love.  As a matter of fact, we both did.  As did the wee ones.  Which makes it a super bad idea to make a batch unless there are a lot of people around to eat them.  Because otherwise, you'll eat them all yourself.  And while it'll feel amazing while you're doing it.  It won't feeling amazing afterwards.  Or so I would imagine...
Mazapanes de Cacahuate
Peanut Marzipans
from My Sweet Mexico by Fany Gerson
yield ~10

2 c. toasted unsalted peanuts*, skins removed
1½ c. confectioner's sugar

Grind the peanuts in a food processor.  Add the sugar and continue mixing, scraping the sides from time to time, until the peanuts release their oil and a compact paste is formed when you press some between your fingers.  It could take a while, depending on your food processor, be patient.
Put some of the paste into a 2" cookie or biscuit cutter, filling it up ~¾" high.  Press down with your fingers until compacted.  Remove the cutter carefully and repeat until all the paste is used up.

Wrap in cellophane or tissue paper, if you wish.**
*pistachios, pecans, or almonds could also be substituted to make a different type of marzipan.
**wrapping mazapanes/marzipans: To prepare a cellophane or tissue paper wrapping, cut 10 pieces into 4"x3" rectangles.  Then cut thin strips of a little less than 1" from the short sides toward the center all the way down.  Put the marzipans in the center and roll over so the candy is fully covered, then twist the ends.  
The only negative thing about these mazapanes- they disappear too quickly.  Which leaves a certain someone asking me when I'm going to make another batch.  Every hour or so.  When are you gonna make more?  Are you gonna make some more now?  Is this what you use to make the mazapan?  Do you need me to get your food processor for you?  I created a monster.

I do think these would be a fun treat to make and wrap and give out to guests.  So I will blame the fact that I didn't think ahead and buy some cellophane.  And the tissue paper was conveniently "hidden" until after they had all disappeared.  I was even out of parchment and wax paper.  I wound up cutting up some birthday treat bags that I had sitting around (where the tissue paper should have been) and using it to separate the marzipans.  They slid easily into a baggie or air tight container from that point.  Too bad they didn't stay there too long.  Not that they couldn't have.  Just that they didn't.
I am sharing this post with:
Sweet Treats Party SweetToothFriday sweets for a saturday seasonal saturday

Would you like to comment?

  1. You make your own mazapanes?! This only confirms how incredibly awesome you are!!! :)

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  2. These are new to me, but sound so yummy, Heather! Thanks for stopping by and sharing it! You have the MOST interesting recipes! I'm making your sweet cherry focaccia recipe this weekend. If you'd like to link it up today, I'd be happy to feature it next week. Thanks and I hope that you have a safe and restful Labor Day weekend!

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  3. I can't believe how easy these are to make, and it actually sounds like fun. I've never heard of these, but I loooove peanut butter cups. Trying it with other nuts sounds like fun, too. I think you've created another monster...

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  4. These look like such a treat! I can't get over they only have 2 ingredients - what a fantastic recipe. I can see why they don't last long!

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  5. A very timely post for me... I am doing a funky peanut butter thing today and needed something that would taste like a peanut butter cup! You won't recognise it, but you;ll see something close next week on my blog (or if not, I screwed it up and best to just be quiet)

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  6. Seeing as how the inside of a PB cup is the best part...I need these in my life.

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  7. What nice recipes!! I love mazapan and these peauts mazapan look delicious!! gloria

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  8. This is totally cool!
    Will you make some more soon?
    Like now?
    How 'bout now?

    I don't blame your family one bit.

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  9. I grew up eating these. I loved them! Well, those and saladitos. I know exactly what you mean by "chalky"

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  10. I've never heard of these (well, I know a peanut butter cup)but this looks more intriguing - more peanuts... smoother. Fresher. I can see why there would be no need to store them...

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  11. Wow, wouldn't have guessed how easy these would be to make. Bet they taste fantastic!

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  12. this looks wonderful Heather lovely presentation

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  13. It took my mind a bit to even think of what else they made me think of. The only thing that poped into my brain was, "Del la Rosa? No that's just a brand." :) Even when I started reading the discription I couldn't get it! I think I've bee in Mexico too long....

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  14. Why have I never heard of these? And, have you put chocolate on them yet? WOW.

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  15. So easy and they sound delicious. Plus in my world they're close to being a healthy meal being mainly peanuts...right? ;-)

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

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  16. These are just too easy to make! I've never had peanut marzipans, but I'm wondering why. I know they'd disappear all to quickly here too- so yummy. :)

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  17. What a splendid recipe! Looks fantastic!

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  18. this is fantastic! i can practically taste it based on your description alone. have you considered dipping them in chocolate? :)

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  19. Have never seen this before, now I am really curious.
    Rita

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  20. I've never made something like this!

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  21. esto tiene que estar delicioso.

    Saludos

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  22. I will gladly send you my address if you agree to send me some of this deliciousness!

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  23. Love this peanutty goodness. even though they sort of look naked without chocolate, they sound delicious. I love marzipan. This is a must try.

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  24. OMG, my daughter *loves* these! I always used to buy them to put in her Easter basket. I had no idea they were so easy to make. I'm going to surprise her with a batch one of these days... thanks, Heather!

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  25. I've never seen peanut mazapan before and want to try it in a recipe or two that call for almond paste. I can think of all sorts of possibilities here. Yummy idea, Heather.

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  26. So can I dip them in chocolate? ;-) They look delicious and would be fun as little hostess treats if they could possibly last long enough.

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  27. these are awesome..i have made them countless time for hubby who adores them..so true they never last..

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  28. I've never tried to make these, but they look yummy. I love mexican candy! Think I'll try them soon.

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