Marzipan is one of the most outstanding of the Toledo specialities.
The Ruling on the Toledo Guild of Confectioners, approved by King Philip III in 1615, made it clear what the basic ingredients were - peeled, ground, raw almonds and sugar. In its many presentations and varieties -Marquesas- the exquisite Toledo marzipan is guaranteed by the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Mazapanes de Toledo. A thin, compact marzipan dough resulting from mixing or kneading peeled, raw, crushed almonds, with sugar or sugars of different types, used as a base for a variety of typical confectionery from Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha). The 'anguila' (eel) is handmade with marzipan filled with yolk, decorated with sugar cover and candied fruit slowly baked, It's a delicatessen from Toledo. Another sweet made of marzipan is Pan de Cádiz which is filled with pieces of candied fruit and crystallized pumpkin formed into a special shape resembling a chest. |
Sweet Arab HeritageJijona and Alicante turrón is made from honey, sugar, roast almonds and egg whites, following recipes that are over 500 years old. The almonds used are generally of the native Marcona variety, considered one of the best in the world. They are smooth, moist, and flavorsome and are widely used in patisserie. The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Jijona and Alicante guarantees the product quality and the use of nothing but the best ingredients. Guirlache is a nougat with a shiny dark brown color, made with toasted almonds pressed into a medium-sized tablet, with melted sugar, honey and aniseed grains.
Another Spanish candies are Polvorones y Mantecados de Estepa PGI from Sevilla (Andalucía), which are baked dough pieces made from mixing the basic ingredients of wheat flour, pork lard and icing sugar (ground sugar), plus additional ingredients as cinnamon, olive oil, almonds, cocoa, coconut, lemon, almonds and vanilla.
Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI is another Spanish confectionery made from pure bees' honey, almonds, hazelnuts, flour, breadcrumbs and spices like coriander, clove, anise, sesame and cinnamon. Tarta de Santiago PGI, a traditional Galician sweet tart made using almonds, sugar and eggs. Sobao Pasiego PGI is a product made from a dough of wheat flourl butter, sugar and eggs. It's made in Cantabria, north of Spain and it has a strong yellow crumbs and toast-colored surface, dense, spongy texture, sweet flavor and prominent buttery aroma. |