Orange Snowman Food

PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOW SNOWMEN

Steps:

• Dust an 11-by-15-inch baking dish liberally with confectioners' sugar. Pour 1/2 cup cool water into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and sprinkle the gelatin over.
• Meanwhile, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and cook, swirling the pan occasionally without stirring, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer, 6 to 7 minutes.
• With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the gelatin mixture. Once all of the syrup has been added, increase the speed to high and whisk until the mixture is bright white and forms very stiff peaks and the bowl has cooled and is just warm to the touch at the bottom, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the peppermint extract and mix to combine. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, smooth the top and dust liberally with confectioners' sugar. Let sit overnight before cutting.
• When ready to assemble, combine 1 cup confectioners' sugar and the cornstarch in a small sieve. Liberally dust a work surface with some of the mixture and unmold the marshmallow slab in one piece (you will need to guide it from the pan with an offset spatula and your fingers). Dust both sides of the slab well with the sugar-cornstarch mixture. Using 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch and 1 1/2-inch round cutters dipped in confectioners' sugar, cut 12 marshmallows of each size. Dust the marshmallows all over with the remaining sugar-cornstarch mixture.
• Build the snowmen on the lollipop sticks, starting with the largest diameter marshmallows. Stick a licorice candy on top of each for a hat. With scissors, cut the gummy straws in half lengthwise. Flatten the pieces with a rolling pin to make flat scarves for the snowmen and tie them on. Stick the pretzel pieces into the middle marshmallows for "arms Use the orange candies to make noses.
• Melt the semisweet chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave at 50 percent power in 15 second intervals, stirring after each, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until completely smooth and transfer to a piping bag with a small plain tip. Pipe chocolate eyes, a mouth and buttons onto each snowman.

NO-BAKE OREO TRUFFLE SNOWMEN

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Process the cookies in a food processor to fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl and add the cream cheese. Stir and work with a wooden spoon until smooth and completely combined.
• Roll about two-thirds of the mixture into 16 balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and put on the prepared baking sheet. Roll the remaining mixture into 16 smaller balls (about 1 teaspoon each). Freeze until just beginning to firm up, about 15 minutes.
• Press a small truffle onto each large truffle to make snowmen, then press a lollipop stick through the top of each snowman so that it sits up with the stick coming out of the head (it's ok if the truffles crack during this step; just form them back together with your fingers). Put the baking sheet in the freezer while you heat the melting wafers.
• Microwave the melting wafers and 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl on 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. (Alternatively, melt in a double boiler.) Add another teaspoon of coconut oil if the mixture is too thick.
• Holding a snowman by the stick, dip it into the white coating mixture to coat completely, letting as much excess drip off as possible. Return to the baking sheet. While the coating is still wet, press an orange candy onto the head for a nose. Press 2 mini candy-coated chocolates onto the sides of the head for earmuffs. Repeat with the remaining snowmen. Refrigerate until the coating is set, about 5 minutes.
• Wrap a sour belt strip around the neck of each snowman, using a dot of the coating mixture as glue to secure it.
• Combine the chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon black food coloring in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Transfer to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag and snip off the corner. Pipe on the eyes and a band connecting the earmuffs over the top of each head. Pipe 3 buttons down the front of each snowman's body. Refrigerate until completely set, about 10 minutes.

ORANGE SNOWMAN

Steps:

• In a blender, combine orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

SNOWMAN TREATS

Steps:

• Spread peanut butter on half of the crackers.
• Top with remaining crackers to make sandwiches.
• In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir to smooth.
• Dip sandwiches in coating; allowing access to drip off.
• Place on waxed paper.
• Immediately position chips; 2 chips for eyes and 4 chips for mouth.
• Add candy corn for nose.
• For earmuffs, place a M & M on each side of face.
• Connect ear muffs with a strip of decorating gel. I let mine dry and then did the decorating gel.
• Let stand for 30 minutes or until set. My decorating gel is still not dry after 1 hour.

ORANGE SNOWMAN

Steps:

• In a blender, combine orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.