Maná is a unusual candy similar to marzipan. It name means 'manna' (as in manna from heaven), and it is a very well-loved Peruvian treat. Maná was invented around the time the conquistadors came to Peru. They could not find almonds to make marzipan, and came up with this nutless substitute made from eggs, milk, and sugar. Mana has a beautiful golden color, and is often shaped into little fruits, like marzipan. Like fondant (but better tasting), it can also be rolled out and used to cover a cake.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- powdered sugar
Preparation:
- Place eggs, milk, sugar, and pinch of salt into a pot and mix well with a whisk.
- Bring to a boil, and cook at a low simmer. The eggs will separate and the mixture will look curdled, but continue to cook, stirring gently with a wooden spoon.
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes more, until the liquid has almost completely boiled away. At this point it is necessary to stir continuously.
- Cook until the mixture is very thick, and no liquid remains. It should be the consistency of a sticky playdough.
- Remove from heat and place candy in the bowl of a mixer. Add the vanilla and almond flavoring.
- Using the paddle attachment, beat dough until it cools. It will stiffen and become less sticky. If dough remains sticky, knead some sifted powdered sugar into the dough.
- Refrigerate overnight. Maná will keep for 2 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic. It also freezes well.
Serving Tips: There are many ways to serve maná. The simplest is to shape it into bite-size balls and roll them in chopped nuts or powdered sugar. Or tint the maná with food coloring and shape into assorted fruits. I like to use it to make little carrots to decorate carrot cake. To use maná as a cake covering, like rolled fondant, sprinkle the counter with powdered sugar and roll it out just as you would roll out fondant or marzipan.
