Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal, sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract. It is often made into sweets; common uses are marzipan-filled chocolate and small marzipan imitations of fruits and vegetables. It is also rolled into thin sheets and glazed for icing cakes, primarily birthday and wedding cakes and Christmas cake. [Source: Wiki]
While some marzipan recipes make use of the egg white instead of water, I preferred this simple vegan recipe: It can be used it as a substitute for fondant in some cases. Read on for the recipe:
Ingredients - 1 cup almonds, 1 cup powdered/castor sugar, coloring agent as desired.
Preparation - Boil water in a saucepan. Add the almonds and boil for 1 minute.
Drain off the hot water and add cold water. Allow to stand for 2-3 mins.
Drain off water. Now you can remove the skins easily. (The above steps are usually referred to as blanching)
Take the almonds in a food processor and grind into a powder (almond meal). Do not overdo else the almond meal releases its natural oils and it starts sticking to the sides of the jar.
Take the almond meal and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Add water ( if using any color, add it to the water), a few drops at first and then more if needed. The ingredients should come together into a tight dough.
Take the dough and work/knead if further on a clean working surface to remove any lumps.
Shape it as desired or roll out into a thin layer to cover your cake.
Store it for up to 1 week (rolled in a thin film and put in a airtight container). But remember to bring it to room temperature before working it.
[ I have painted the marzipan figurines in the above picture with chocolate sauce ]