The Marzipan Pig Tradition is quite simple. If you give Marzipan Pigs, good luck and delicious flavors will be spread to friends and family this Christmas! Many Germans like to include a Marzipan Glückschwein with their Christmas gifts! Or as a special gift for the New Year. These sweet treats will make anyone feel lucky…. If only because they have a delicious candy to eat. These are a huge favorite for my sister, who LOVES Marzipan. These adorable piggies make a nice addition to your Holiday celebrations. And they are a cute thing to put into a Bunter Teller.
But WHY is a Marzipan Pig considered lucky? How did the Marzipan Pig Tradition get started? And, where can you buy Marzipan pigs? Take a look here to learn more.
What is a Marzipan Pig?
Marzipan is a confection made from ground Almonds and sugar. Sometimes a bit of honey or almond oil is added for more flavor. This mass is kneaded into smooth dough, and then it can be formed into any shape imaginable: fruits, animals, or simple loaves. It can also be rolled smoothly to cover cakes or tortes. But during the holiday season, everyone wants a Glückschwein!
More about Marzipan here–> German Marzipan
(Scroll down to find a recipe for Marzipan… and molds to make your own Marzipan Pigs!)
Marzipan Pig Tradition. Do they bring Good Luck?
How did the German Marzipan Pig become a Lucky Pig?
In the Middle Ages, farmers survived the winter depending on what they could produce. If you were really lucky, they had a pig… which meant MEAT all winter long. “Ich habe Schwein gehabt” (“I had pig”) became a common expression for being lucky…you were lucky to eat, and later, you were just lucky.
In recent years, the pig has become a good-luck symbol, like a four-leaf clover. In fact, some Glückschweinchen come with a little clover on them.
A German Marzipan Pig (Glückschwein) is often given as a gift between Christmas and New Year to ensure good luck for the New Year. Some children are lucky to find one of these delicious piggies in their shoes on St Nicholas Day!
Where to Buy Marzipan Pigs?
German Marzipan Bavarian Pig 2.46 OZ
Funsch Marzipan Pig .63 OZ For Good LuckFunsch Marzipan Pig Assortment 0.81oz (5-pack)Funsch Marzipan Single Standing Mini Pig 0.63 ozFunsch Marzipan Pig for Good Luck .63 OZ
Marzipan Pig Recipe!
Many people feel that Home Made Marzipan tastes better than Store bought… (both are good!)
Home Made Marzipan Recipe
Home Made Marzipan
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Almonds- blanched peeled, ground
- 3 large Egg Whites- room temperature use fresh eggs
- 4 tsp. Almond Extract or 2 tsp Almond Extract plus 1 Tbl. Rosewater
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Grind the almonds in a food processor until they resemble a fine powder (Don’t overgrind, it will turn into almond butter!). You can also buy Ground Almonds.
- In a bowl, beat the egg whites until just frothy.
- Add the Almond extract and rosewater (if desired).
- Sift in 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, kneading the mass in the bowl after each addition.
- Then add just enough of the last cup of powdered sugar to form a smooth, pliable dough that isn’t too sticky.
- Divide the dough into portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container up to 8 weeks.
- You can shape this marzipan into any shape you want. Use a form or freehand!
Pig Shaped Candy Mold
To make your own Marzipan Pigs!~
CK Products 2-Inch Pig Chocolate MoldLet’S Diy DIY Pig Shape Fondant Cake Mold Silicone Mold Cake Decorating Tools Chocolate Mould Bakeware Cooking Tools
Tried this a few days ago for new years, love.