Sugar Skulls by A Baker's Field Guide to Holiday Candy & Confections!

I hear these are very sugary-awesome! I know I am a bit early on this recipe, but it gives you more time to try it out!

5 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1-2 tablespoons water
*Icing*
6 1/2 to 7 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 cup meringue powder
2/3 cup water
Paste food coloring

*Directions*

1. Wipe the skull mold with a clean soft dishcloth to remove any dust.

2. Whisk sugar and meringue powder together in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over sugar and whisk the mixture, then mix with your hands until sugar is moist enough that it holds together when you squeeze a clump. Add more water if necessary. It will probably need just shy of 2 tablespoons water.

3. Pack sugar mixture into mold, mounding it over the top. Press it firmly down into the mold, using an offset spatula to evenly wipe away excess. Sugar should come right up to the open edge of the mold and fill in any crevices that form the shape of the skulls face. Lift the mold high enough so that you can see the side with the skull imprint. Check to see that all nooks and crannies are completely filled with sugar.

4. Place a piece of cardboard on top of the open side and carefully invert the mold. Place cardboard on work surface and very carefully remove the mold. You should have a well-formed and detailed sugar skull on the piece of cardboard. If the skull is not to your liking (and this is simply a matter of whether you like the way it looks or not), simply reuse the sugar and try again. If the sugar is too dry, it will crumble. If it is too wet, the skull will have soft features and flow down toward the cardboard. Add more sugar or water, if necessary, until you have the right texture and you have made 10 skulls.

5. Allow skulls, still on cardboards, to dry overnight.

6. To make icing, beat 6 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, meringue powder, and water with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Add more sugar if necessary to attain a stiff texture. Divide it into serveral bowls and tint as desired with various food colorings. Place each color in a zipper-lock plastic bag. Snip a small opening in a bottom corner of the bag and decorate skull as desired. Allow icing to dry overnight.