It's Marzipan Day!

Did you know that January 12, 2016 is National Marzipan Day? I didn't, and I don't particularly care for marzipan... in case YOU do, here are some facts:
The Facts: Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal, sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract.

• There are two proposed lines of origin for marzipan; they are not necessarily contradictory and may be complementary, as there have always been Mediterranean trade and cooking influences. In both cases, there is a reason to believe that there is a clear Arabic influence for historical reasons (both regions were under Muslim control). Other sources establish the origin of marzipan in China, from where the recipe moved on to the Middle East and then to Europe through Al-Andalus.
• January 12th is National Marzipan Day.
• In the Middle Ages, marzipan was sold by pharmacists. They recommended it as a medicine for treating physical and mental disorders.
• In Russia, marzipan became known from tales of Andersen, Hoffmann and Grimm brothers, where it symbolizes the children’s happiness and magic.
• The world’s largest pistachio marzipan sweet weighed 9,255 lb 14 oz and was made by 225 chefs in an event organised by Spacetel Syria at Hamadanya Stadium, Aleppo, Syria on 1 July 2003.

Source: Mobile-Cuisine.com

EAT SOME MARZIPAN TO CELEBRATE!!