Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls, or calaveras as they are known in Mexico, are decorative sugar skulls used for the celebration of Day of the Dead ( Dia de Muertos in Spanish) and All Soul’s Day. Families decorate their home ofrendas (alters) with these along with pictures of loved ones who have passed away. I love the tradition and we have started setting up our own ofrenda. I find it’s a lovely way to remind the kids of their grandparents and other relatives who have passed. The kids love making the skulls and we share stories of grandma and grandpa while we make them. They are surprisingly easy, and once made will last years.

MATERIALS

  • Skull mold (available at craft stores and online)

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 2 tbsp meringue powder (available at craft stores)

  • 2 tbsp water

  • White royal icing (store bought is fine)

  • Colored royal icing in tubes for decorating (you can also use food coloring and the white icing with a pastry decorating bag and tips)

  • Small pieces of cardboard cut to about the size of the molds.

Mix sugar, water and meringue until it is the consistency of wet sand. Better to add the water little, by little so you don’t add too much.

It should hold together when squeezed in the palm of your hand - think sand castle construction.

Fill front and back molds with mixture, making sure you press it firmly into the mold. This way you get all of the detail and it will ensure the skulls will hold up.

Scrape off the excess so you have a flat edge. Then place a piece of cardboard over the open side of the mold and flip over. The skulls should plop out easily. If you’re not happy with it, simple crumble it back into the bowl and try again.

Let the skulls for at least 8 hours, overnight is best.

Use a generous dollop of white royal icing to join the front and back of the skulls together. Then the fun begins! Use your decorating tubes to create fun and whimsical patters, flowers, hats, and, of course, mustaches!

Then display them with flowers, candles and photos of your passed loved ones. What a beautiful way to keep their memories alive.

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