Martian Dream Car

Name: Martian Dream Car
Prep time: 8 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 11 h
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup softened butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk; 3 cups all-purpose flour; pink food coloring; powdered sugar, for rolling out dough; 3 large egg whites; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; food coloring; 2 cups sugar substitute (isomalt)

Submitted by ChristineMcConnell

"If you're gifting your girlfriend a house and pets for her birthday, you might as well throw a car in there while you're at it! This little hot rod runs on solar power and is made for interstellar travel! At first I had several ideas how to make the sugar glass domed windshield! but after every single one of those plans crashed and burned, I turned to the internet. I found a tutorial on Youtube made by Ann Reardon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvDD_u4apuA&t=196s&frags=pl%2Cwn). Initially I was seriously skeptical and I've been burned by sugar glass so many times that this method terrified me. But I suited up and gave it a shot and I'll be darned if it didn't work PERFECTLY every time!! That said, when working with sugar glass and ESPECIALLY when trying this method, make sure children and pets are put back in their cupboards and you are covered from head to toe in protective gear!!!"

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photo by ChristineMcConnell

Ready In:: 11hrs
Ingredients:: 12
Serves:: 4

ingredients

Pink Sugar Cookie
¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
3 cups all-purpose flour
pink food coloring
powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
Royal Icing
3 large egg whites
4 cups confectioners' sugar
food coloring
Isomalt Windshield
2 cups sugar substitute (isomalt)

directions

Additional items you will need: food-safe dremel for carving details, latex balloons, hot knife, protective clothing for using the isomalt.
For the Pink Sugar Cookie:
In a stand mixer, beat butter, sugar, salt, egg and milk. Slowly incorporate flour until dough ball forms. Split into two balls and chill until ready to use.
Heat oven to 375F and roll out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Cut out shapes using stencils made from card stock and save scraps for the next batch. Bake 9 to 11 minutes until edges just begin to brown. Remove from oven and smooth by placing parchment paper over the top of freshly baked cookies and press down flat with a slightly smaller baking sheet. Once cool, place on paper towel to absorb any butter before assembling.
For the Royal Icing:
Beat egg whites until frothy. Add a cup of powdered sugar at a time until incorporated. Once mixed, place in a piping bag and use to glue cookies and add interior and exterior embellishments!
For the Isomalt Windshield:
Fill latex helium balloon with water to the size you want your dome to be (don't fill it too much, though). Let out any and all air COMPLETELY (this is important as the water is what distributes the heat and prevents the balloon from popping). Tie off the balloon, blot dry with a paper towel and place right side up on a smaller glass or ramekin set on a large sheet of parchment paper.
On the stove, heat two cups of isomalt on low/medium heat until completely liquid (About 10-15 minutes) Add food coloring and allow to rest until all bubbles have gone and it's cooled down a bit.
Cover every inch of your body and make sure no one is around that could be affected if the balloon should pop. Gently pour isomalt syrup over the water-filled ballon and allow to set for half an hour.
Once the isomalt is set, hold the ballon over the sink and cut a small hole with a blade to allow the water to drain without getting the isomalt wet (it will dissolve if it comes in contact with water). Once the balloon is empty, peel it out and use a hot knife or heated blade to cut off the drips until you have a smooth-bottomed dome!
Any fogging of the candy glass can be easily remedied by hitting those spots with a torch for just a second!. Apply to your cookie craft and use royal icing to lock the pieces into place.