History of Marzipan

The Egyptians, as early as 1800 B.C., are reported to have made marzipan from crushed almonds and honey; yet the mixing of the two very likely goes back to man's beginning. According to legend, marzipan was so valued
in the early Nile River villages, that it was used for trade as coins called Marchpans." Thus it spread throughout the human world. It was prized by the Emperors of Rome and became an important part of Italy's culinary heritage.

The Crusaders carried it back to their homeland and during the Dark Ages it was made by nuns in France. During the Renaissance, the Kings of France cherished this delicacy; baking it into small cookies called "Massepains."

The Spanish Armada brought it back from the East while the Conquistadors carried it on to South America. In Elizabethan England it was popular amount the elite and dubbed "Saint Marks Pain." On to India with the Moguls, the Swiss covered it in chocolate; the Danish fashioned pink pigs for good luck and the Germans used it to decorate their Christmas trees.

Marzipan is an important Christmas tradition in most countries; the most charming is the Danish Marzipan Party. Invited guests are given prepared marzipan to shape and decorate, then a prize goes to the best sculpture. The guests may take their works home and hang them on the tree till Christmas. This international confection was brought to America by travelers who have visited Europe or those who are close to their European heritage. Many have enjoyed marzipan throughout man's history, and it is now available to you from the creative hands of "Culinary Artists."

Sincerely, The Keller Family