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Marplot on June 26 reminded me of marzipan, Mark's bread, and I wondered whether it has already been suggested. Marzipan and currants divide our family sharply when it comes to cakes, especially Christmas cake.

How sweet it is! This one has a history clouded in multiple theories. I wonder if anyone can tell which is the right one.

I blush to say that at my advanced age and experience with the English language, I have never seen or heard the word marzipan before now. Do Americans use the word or the product it describes? I am aware that cakes in England are much more elaborate than they are in the USA. A simple pound cake suffices for me.

I admit I've never used the real thing, but I've seen the word, and candies made of it, many times.

I'd raise an eyebrow that the word is entirely new to anyone; we'd put marzipan on fruited occasion cakes in general (wedding, Christmas) and Simnel Cake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simnel_cake) in particular. I'd have thought such a cake would be meat and bread to those of a religious persuasion - it's clearly a more local thing.