European-Style Marzipan

1 cup blanched whole almonds or
    1 1/3 cups slivered almonds
1 1/3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract or rose water
2 tablespoons water
2 1/4 cups sifted confectioners? sugar
1 slightly beaten egg white

Place almonds in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until ground.

In a mixer bowl combine the ground almonds, the 1 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar, almond extract or rose water and 2 tablespoons water. Beat with electric mixer until the mixture forms a ball. Gradually add the 2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, beating until combined. Stir in enough egg white (about 1 tablespoon) to form a clay-like mixture. Tint with food coloring, if desired.

Mold or shape the marzipan as desired, using about 2 teaspoons marzipan for each shape.

Makes 2 cups mixture.