Marzipan Carrots

Marzipan is a mixture of almonds, sugar, and sometimes egg whites. Its soft, pliable texture makes it ideal for sculpting and decorations. It's available in the baking aisle of supermarkets.

1 oz marzipan
orange and red gel-paste food colouring
unsweetened cocoa powder, for decorating
small fresh carrot fronds, rinsed and dried well

Tint marzipan with orange and red food colouring, a drop at a time, to reach desired colour. Divide into 12 pieces. (Cover with plastic wrap when not using.) Shape each piece into a ball, then roll into logs, tapering 1 end, to resemble carrots.

Dip a paring knife into cocoa powder. Make tiny indentations in each carrot with cocoa-dusted knife to evoke the vegetable's texture. Carrots will keep, covered, for up to 1 week. Push fronds into top of each carrot before serving.

Makes 12.