SNOW GLOBE KEEPSAKE COOKIES

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with blade attachment, add almond paste and 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar; pulse until almond paste and sugar are well mixed and texture resembles finely ground cornmeal. In a large bowl, cream butter and remaining confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add almond paste mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Beat in the egg, milk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour., On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut out snow globe shape with floured 4x3-1/2 inch cookie cutter; cut out centers with a floured 2-3/4-in. round cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 375° until firm, about 9-10 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool. , Meanwhile, place isomalt in a microwave safe bowl; microwave at 20-second intervals until melted and bubbly. Place cooled cookies face-down on silpat mat; pour a thin layer of isomalt into the center cut-out portion of cookies, tilting pan to distribute evenly; reheat isomalt as needed. Repeat with remaining cookies., For icing, in a small bowl, beat meringue powder and water until soft peaks form. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar; tint with food coloring if desired. Decorate cookies with icing as desired; let dry completely. Place one cookie face down on parchment-lined baking sheet; pour desired assortment of sprinkles into center of cookie over hardened isomalt; pipe frosting around center and edges of cookie. Place second cookie on top to form sandwich and seal sprinkles inside; let frosting dry completely. If desired, pipe decorative border of frosting between edges of cookies.