How to sculpt marzipan figurines

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• 2 packs of natural marzipan no dyes
  
• Food coloring pastes
  
• Uncooked whole grain spaghetti (for stems)
  
• Cloves (for the bottom of apples and pears)
  
• Cocoa powder (for potatoes)
  

You will need:

Bamboo skewers, a vegetable peeler, marzipan tools (available at confectionery stores) – optional, small leaf-shaped cookie cutters, small brushes.

Potato

Scoop 1 level tablespoon of marzipan and form it into a potato shape between your palms. Use a bamboo skewer or other tool to make eyes on the potato, then roll it in a small amount of cocoa powder (to simulate dirt), shaking off any excess.

Pumpkin

Add a small amount of orange food coloring to 1 tablespoon of marzipan and knead it in. Roll the marzipan into a ball between your palms, then flatten it slightly. Using the blunt side of a knife or marzipan tool, draw lines on the pumpkin. Add a small amount of cocoa powder or brown food coloring to a small amount of marzipan and roll it into a thin rope. Cut off a small piece and press it onto the pumpkin to form the stem. Twist the remaining rope into a spiral around a bamboo skewer. Carefully pull the skewer out, and press the spiral against the stem to form a tendril.

Pear or Apple

Add a little yellow or green (or both) food coloring to 1 tablespoon of marzipan, knead the food coloring in, and roll it into a ball between your palms. If making a pear, shape the marzipan into a pear shape. Break off a piece of uncooked whole-wheat spaghetti and insert the stem, then insert a whole clove into the underside. Add a hint of blush to the apples and pears. Dilute a little food coloring in a contrasting color (red or orange) with a little rubbing alcohol or water and brush it over the fruit.

Leaves

Add a little green food coloring to the marzipan and mix it together. Roll the marzipan as thinly as possible and cut out leaves of your desired shape. Use a bamboo skewer or the blunt side of a knife to draw veins on the leaves. You can bend and pinch the leaves to make them look more realistic. Place them on a tray to dry, or while they're still soft, press them onto the fruit.

Allow the marzipan fruits and vegetables to air-set for 12 hours, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks.