Eggnog Macarons

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. For the Eggnog Macarons, sift confectioners’ sugar, almond flour and spices into medium bowl, working mixture as much as possible through sifter. Discard any large bits of almonds left over in sifter. Beat egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar and salt in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Beat on high speed 5 minutes or until medium peaks form. Gently stir in flour mixture, 1/3 at a time, scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently.
• 2 Spoon batter into pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/2-inch round tip. Pipe 1 1/2-inch circles about 2 inches apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. For best results, hold tip perpendicular and 1/2 inch above baking sheet while gently squeezing pastry bag.
• 3 Bake 1 baking sheet at a time 11 to 12 minutes or until macarons are set and slightly tacky. Place baking sheet on wire rack. Cool macarons completely before removing from parchment paper.
• 4 For the filling, mix confectioners’ sugar and spices in small bowl. Beat butter and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in sugar mixture, scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Beat in brandy until smooth. Spoon into piping bag fitted with a small plain round tip.
• 5 To assemble the macarons, pipe filling onto flat side of 1 cookie. Sandwich with a same-size cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Store macarons between layers of wax paper in airtight container in refrigerator up to 7 days. Serve at room temperature.