MERINGUE SNOWMAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk egg whites and salt, slowly adding 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
• Whisk until stiff.
• Fold in remaining granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar.
• Transfer meringue to a large pastry bag fitted with a 3/4-inch round tip.
• On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe a 3-inch mound of meringue to form a snowman's body.
• Pipe meringue into a"c-shape" on top of body, forming arms.
• Pipe a 1 1/2-inch mound in center of arms to form a head.
• Repeat to form 7 more snowmen.
• Sprinkle snowmen with pearl sugar.
• In a small bowl, combine remaining meringue and a few drops of red food coloring.
• Transfer to a small parchment cone or a small pastry bag fitted with a#2 tip.
• Pipe a red nose onto each snowman.
• Bake snowmen until the outside is set yet the inside is still soft, about 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let cool.
• When cool, remove the inside of each snowman with a spoon and discard.
• Return to oven and bake until firm, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Make sure the snowmen remain white and do not begin to color.
• Once firm, remove from oven and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, roll 7 ounces almond paste to a thickness of 1/2-inch.
• Using a 3/4-inch cutter, cut out 8 circles.
• Using a toothpick, dip each almond paste circle into melted chocolate.
• Transfer circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Swirl to form the border of hat.
• Repeat with remaining circles and let cool completely.
• Reserve 1/4 cup chocolate for decorating.
• In a large bowl, combine remaining chocolate and heavy cream.
• Transfer chocolate mousse to a large pastry bag fitted with a 3/4-inch round tip.
• Pipe mousse into cooled snowmen.
• Add a few drops of red food coloring to remaining 4 ounces almond paste.
• Knead until completely combined.
• Roll to 1/8-inch thick.
• Cut into 8 (8 by 1/2-inch) strips to form scarves.
• Place scarves around snowmen and top with cooled hats.
• Transfer reserved chocolate to a small parchment cone or pastry bag fitted with a#1 tip.
• Pipe eyes, mouths, and buttons on each snowman.
• Serve immediately.