A Powerful Flavoring Ingredient For Foods - What Is Amaretto And How It Is Used In Recipes?

What is it (history)?
Developed near 1520, Amaretto (it means slightly bitter) liqueur has a nutty almond flavor and aroma. But it contains no nuts nor nut products. Small amounts of it are added to food recipes for flavoring. Authentic imports from Italy and Europe can cost $10-25/half-liter, but effective less expensive ones are available from retail outlets.
One legend says a young Italian model who was sitting for a Renaissance Madonna portrait gave a small gift of it to her artist in Saronno. Another one says a small amount of this concoction was added to select cookies made for the king of the region at a later date. Still another says it was the result of a bishop's blessing of a young married couple. The first legion is its most probable starting point.
How is it made (mostly secret)?
Amaretto liquid is made from the pit-kernels of apricot seeds. Its entire formula and manufacturing process are secret. But we know Madagascar vanilla and pure caramelized sugar are part of its recipe. Certain makers also add peach or cherry pits along with secret herbs and spices to their formulations.
Originally, the seed pits were probably crushed and soaked/leached for several weeks in a consumable organic-solvent/water solution, similar to how vanilla flavoring is extracted today. The solution was then filtered or crudely distilled for consumption. Its final color ranged from light to dark amber.
Later, around 1600, this recipe was apparently rediscovered when distillation became more common among Italian families. Thus, some of today's Amarettos are finely distilled, which gives them crystal-clear amber appearances. The organic esters from their ingredients also come-off with the distillates, producing unique flavors and aromas.
How is it used (small amount added once; big flavors result)?
The Internet shows this liquid is added to numerous recipes in small amounts; e.g., in desserts, cakes, cookies, ice cream, meats, fish, cheese, vegetables, chocolate dishes, soups, creamers, batters, sauces, spreads, and garnishes. It can also be added to fresh cranberry, orange, and favorite juices, and to coffee, tea, and cider.
Which variety works best (imported)?
Reportedly, the imported brands produce the strongest flavors. Yet, real-almond or similar extracts could do the same thing.
Conclusion. Added in small amounts, pure Amaretto liquid is a popular flavoring ingredient that is safe to use by those allergic to nut products, provided no almond or nut products had been added to its formulation in the first place. However, in cooking, this flavoring liquid can be replaced with real-almond extracts for highly similar taste results.