Brown Sugar Squirrel Recipe

Extra Strong Sugar Mold Recipe (This recipe is great when you are using large molds or if you want extra strength)

Ingredients:

• 10 cups granulated sugar (should equal 4 pounds of brown sugar)
• 10 tsp. Meringue Powder
• 10 tsp. water
• Royal Icing (for joining the two sides of molded squirrel together)

Instructions:

1. Place sugar and meringue in a mixing bowl. Make a well, then add water. Add coloring, if desired. We just left the natural color of brown sugar when we made this squirrel. Mix by hand, kneading for about 1 minute until the sugar is moistened and feels and packs like wet sand, making sure there are no lumps. Keep the sugar mixture covered with a damp cloth when not in use.
2. Pack the brown sugar mixture into both halves of the mold as firmly as possible. Scrape off excess mixture with a spatula so the top is level with the top edge of the mold. Unmold at once. Place cardboard over the mold top, turn upside down, lift the mold off the sugar shape.
3. Let it dry for 5 hours or place it in a 200° F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Join the two halves of the squirrel with a thin layer of Royal Icing, let it dry, and then display this wonderful squirrel!

Please note: This is a very large mold, and the drying time may be longer given your climate.