Pistachio Paste

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius.
2. 2
   Spread pistachios on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly brown.
3. 3
   Pour into a bowl.
4. 4
   Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. It is important to add the water first, otherwise the sugar will caramelize.
5. 5
   Cook until soft ball stage or until the thermometer reads 121 C. It will be a translucent syrup.
6. 6
   Pour the syrup on the pistachios and mix.
7. 7
   Let cool and pour into the food processor bowl, along with the ground almonds and bitter almond extract.
8. 8
   Pulse until you have a pistachio powder.
9. 9
   Continue to pulse, stopping occasionally to avoid overheating and to scrape down the sides.
10. 10
    After a while (about 15-20 minutes with breaks) you will get a slightly grainy paste.
11. 11
    When the mixture starts to come together, add the oil.