Answers from Expert: Canadian Living Test Kitchen Staff

Almond paste is made of blanched ground almonds, sugar and glycerin. Almond extract is sometimes added to intensify the flavour. Almond paste is less sweet than marzipan. It is softer in texture and cannot be used interchangeably with marzipan. It is usually sold in bags in bulk stores. Marzipan is a mixture of almond paste, sugar and sometimes egg whites. It is sold in supermarkets in a tube in a box. Marzipan is firmer in texture than almond paste. There is also an almond icing found most often in tubs in the supermarket. It has more sugar added to it. It does not work at all like almond paste or marzipan. It is too soft and is meant to be rolled out and put on top of fruitcake.