Sugar Snowballs

What you need: To make (6) snowballs; 6 small round balloons; Household string; Scissors; bowl or plate; foil, newspaper or waxed paper (for drippings); plastic wrap; spoon; ribbon or wire hangers.

Frosting:

3 egg whites

2 3/4 cups unsifted powdered sugar

What to do:

1. Blow up balloons to about 3" in diameter and knot the ends off. You can make the balloons any size you want but the frosting will vary accordingly.

2. Tie each balloon with a piece of string about 6-7" long and snip off the short ends close to the knot.

3. Hang balloons so that they do not touch each other. Hangers or an oven rack will work for suspending. Be sure to place foil or newspaper below the suspended balls for drippings.

4. Mix the egg whites with the sugar and blend thoroughly until mixture has no lumps and is a thick but still liquid texture that you will be able to pour but not drippy. The consistency of the mixture is important and you may have to experiment with it until it is just right for the project. If necessary you may add up to 1/4 cup more of the sugar.

5. Holding a bowl or plate beneath the balloon, coat each with the icing. Do not cover the knot with icing. You may reuse the drippings from the bowl before they harden. There may be a droplet that forms at the base of the balloon, carefully pat it with a spoon for smoothness if desired.

6. Allow the icing on the balloons to dry for about 2 hours or as long as necessary, then repeat the process three more times. Note: Between coats, keep the unused frosting covered with clear plastic wrap at room temperature. Be careful applying additional coats as the first coat will still be fragile. Allow balls to completely dry after final process for about 24 hours at room temperature.

7. When steps above are completed, you may use any additional mixture for decorative purposes. Simply add some food coloring to mixture until desired color is achieved and pour small amounts around top of ornament and allow to drip down the sides. You may also sprinkle granulated sugar over still damp balls to give a frosty effect if desired, or paint them with holiday scenes when dry.

8. When firm to the touch, gently untie the string and balloon knots. Pierce the balloons in several places near the knot and carefully remove the balloons once deflated.

9. Glue ribbons into the hole for hanging or use wire ornament hangers.