Marzipan Harvest Table Topper

1. Stage

Marzipan: Crumble almond paste into a large bowl. Knead in corn syrup. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, kneading well after each addition until thoroughly blended. To tint, break off desired size piece of marzipan and knead in color a little at a time, using food coloring (for brown, add baking cocoa instead if desired).

2. Stage

SHAPING: Each Acorn: Form a 1/4-in. to 1/2-in. slightly oblong ball of brown marzipan.

3. Stage

For the cap, add more food coloring or baking cocoa to tint a small piece of marzipan to a slightly darker brown. Form into a flattened circle and press onto top of acorn. Insert a whole clove or brown marzipan into cap for stem. Use a toothpick or knife point to gently dot the cap for texture.

4. Stage

Each Apple: Form a 3/4-in. ball of red marzipan. Curve slides slightly. Pinch bottom gently to taper. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to indent top and bottom of apple. For stem, insert a whole clove or shape a brown marzipan stem and press into top indentation.

5. Stage

Each Ear of Corn: Form a 1/2-in. ball of yellow marzipan into along cylinder shape about 1-1/2 in. long. Slightly taper one end to form the top of the cob. For kernels, roll small pieces of yellow marzipan into balls. Press balls onto cob in rows. For corn husks, roll a ball of green marzipan between pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness. On waxed paper, layer on top of green marzipan, draw three 1-3/4-in. long x 1/2-in.-wide elongated leaf shapes. Peel away top layer of waxed paper and use knife to cut out husks onto the sides of the cob, overlapping at bottom of center front, and one to cover the back of cob, overlapping edges of side. Gently curve top points of each husk out.

6. Stage

Leaves: Knead together equal portions of red, yellow and orange marzipan a few times to create a marble effect. Roll out between pieces of waxed paper to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut out leaves with a cookie cutter. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to score veins on the leaves. For stem, insert a whole clove or shape a brown marzipan stem and insert. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.

7. Stage

Pumpkins: Form balls of orange marzipan, ranging in size from 1/2 in. to 1-1/2 in. Depress slightly to flatten top and bottom. Use a toothpick or sharp knife to make shallow ridges around sides from center top to bottom. For stems, insert a whole clove in center top of each pumpkin or shape one for each from brown marzipan and insert.