Tunisian Almond Balls
By: Emily Jelassi
Published: Monday, October 18, 2010 - 9:26pm

Ingredients




2 1/2 cups ground almonds
3/4 cup superfine sugar
1 sachet vanilla sugar (in cheesecloth)
4 teaspoons rosewater
1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon pink food coloring
Superfine sugar, for rolling
Pine nuts, optional

Preparation

1 Prepare the paste by sieving the ground almonds. 2 Make the syrup by cooking the superfine sugar and the vanilla sugar in 7 tablespoons of water for 10 minutes.  Stir in the rosewater.  Pour the syrup into the ground almonds and blend with a spatula. 3 Using your fingers, knead the paste (marzipan) on a clean, dry work surface. 4 Split the marzipan into 3 equal portions.  Add the green coloring to one part and knead the color through.  Color the second part with pink coloring the same way.  Leave the third portion uncolored. 5 Roll each colored batch onto a work surface to thin it out.  Make 3 sausage-shapes, measuring 3/4-inch in diameter.  Create a tri-colored braid from the parts. 6 Cut the braid into approximately 1-oz pieces.  Roll them between the palms of your hands to form consisten, smooth balls.  Coat each ball with superfine sugar to finish.  Serve in a pile on a serving plate decorated with pine nuts, if using.

About


In Tunisia, these delightful treats are mainly served on important feast days, at engagements, marriages or other important events.  This is a delicious little treat that my family loves!  (Will upload a photo tomorrow.)