Frutta Martorana

The method

Step by step

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the almond flour and powdered sugar, ensuring no lumps remain.

   About 2 min

   Cook’s note: Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar before combining will result in a smoother, more refined paste.

2. 2

   Pour the glucose syrup, water, and almond extract into the dry almond mixture.

   About 1 min

3. 3

   Begin kneading the mixture by hand within the bowl, gradually bringing it together until a cohesive dough starts to form.

   About 5 min

   Cook’s note: Initially, the mixture might seem crumbly, but continued kneading will activate the natural oils in the almond flour, binding it together.

4. 4

   Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly dusted work surface and continue kneading for approximately 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth, pliable, and firm but not sticky.

   About 7 min

   Cook’s note: If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add water a few drops at a time. If it's too sticky, incorporate a small amount of additional powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.

5. 5

   Divide the prepared almond paste into as many portions as you have distinct food coloring shades planned for your fruits.

   About 2 min

   Cook’s note: Consider the variety of fruits you want to create (e.g., red for apples, yellow for lemons, green for limes) to determine the number of portions.

6. 6

   Add a tiny amount of food coloring gel or liquid to one portion of almond paste and knead it thoroughly until the color is uniformly distributed throughout the dough.

   About 5 min

   Cook’s note: Always start with a very small amount of food coloring; it's easier to add more to deepen the shade than to lighten an overly dark color.

7. 7

   Repeat the coloring process for each remaining portion of almond paste, using different food colors to create a vibrant palette.

   About 10 min

   Cook’s note: Wear gloves to prevent your hands from staining, especially when working with darker food colorings.

8. 8

   Lightly dust your chosen fruit molds with powdered sugar, or prepare a clean surface for hand-shaping.

   About 1 min

   Cook’s note: Dusting molds ensures the delicate shapes release easily without sticking or tearing.

9. 9

   Take small pieces of the colored almond paste and press them firmly into the fruit molds, or meticulously shape them by hand into miniature fruits like apples, pears, peaches, plums, or citrus slices.

   About 20 min

   Cook’s note: For a realistic touch, use a small knife or toothpick to create details like leaf veins or fruit stems.

10. 10

    Carefully arrange the shaped Frutta Martorana on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they are not touching each other.

    About 2 min

11. 11

    Allow the shaped fruits to air dry at room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, until their surfaces are firm to the touch.

    About 2 hr

    Cook’s note: This drying process creates a slight crust on the outside, helping the fruits maintain their shape and making them less prone to damage.

12. 12

    If desired, use a small, clean brush to apply a thin, even layer of food-grade varnish to the surface of each dried fruit, giving them a realistic, glossy sheen.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Apply varnish sparingly to avoid a sticky finish; a thin coat is sufficient for a beautiful luster.