Calaveras de azúcar

Ingredients

• 4 cups granulated white sugar
• 2 teaspoons meringue powder
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons pasteurized egg whites
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• gel food coloring in purple, pink, yellow, orange, and black
• edible silver and gold glitter dust
• edible gem candies, assorted colors
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

Steps

1. 1

   1. Combine granulated sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl, mixing until the sugar clumps like damp sand that holds its shape when pressed.

2. 2

   2. Pack the sugar mixture firmly into skull molds, pressing hard into every crevice, then invert onto a parchment-lined tray and allow to air-dry uncovered for 8 hours or overnight.

3. 3

   3. Beat powdered sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 4–5 minutes until royal icing holds stiff peaks.

4. 4

   4. Divide royal icing into small bowls and tint each portion with gel food coloring, then transfer into piping bags fitted with small round tips.

5. 5

   5. Pipe decorative swirls, flowers, eye sockets, and scrollwork onto the hardened skull surfaces, pressing edible gems into the wet icing immediately as you go.

6. 6

   6. Dust the finished skulls lightly with edible glitter using a soft brush, then let stand 2 hours until the icing sets completely hard.