Cooks' Question

My son is allergic to nuts, specifically Brazil nuts. With Christmas coming up this becomes more of a issue than at other times of the year. Can you tell me what I can use as an alternative for such things as marzipan on the cake and ground almonds in pastry and puddings?

Response

Delia only uses her home-made almond paste for Christmas cakes and we know of no alternative. But you could try contacting The Anaphylaxis Campaign on 01252 542029, who may be able to direct you to a source that can help you with a nut-free alternative for marzipan and ground almonds in pastry. The simplest thing to do would be to omit the marzipan altogether and ice the cake quite thickly either with royal icing or fondant icing on or around Christmas Eve – any sooner and the dark colour of the cake might start to seep through.

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