Sugar Skulls Sugar skulls are part of Mexico's Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) tradition. Typically sugar is boiled and poured into ceramic molds. Once hardened, they are removed and decorated with colorful icings. The name of a loved one who has passed away is written across the forehead in rememberance. These are placed at altars honoring treasured relatives,and can be later eaten. Other shapes are also made, such as lambs and doves, but only the skulls received the names of those who are deceased. The following is a recipe for making your own sugar skulls. They're not as tasty as the ones made of boiled sugar (the cornstarch adds a flavor somewhat like cardboard), but are much easier to make and you don't need any molds. This is simple, fun to make, and great for children. The only "messy" part is when the cornstarch gets on hands and clothing, but clean up is easy. Recipe: 2 cups powdered sugar 1/8 cup granulated sugar powdered egg white with water 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup corn starch Sift powdered sugar. Add granulated sugar. Set aside. In large bowl, mix powdered egg white and water according to package instructions, to make equivalent of one egg white. Add vanilla and corn syrup, and mix well. Gradually add sugar into egg white mixture, combining well. Use your hands to form into a ball. Generously sprinkle board or table with cornstarch. Knead cornstarch into mixture until it is shaped into a smooth, manageable ball. At this point, you may wrap the mixture tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use (it will last for many weeks). When ready, shape into skulls, place onto waxed paper, and allow to dry thoroughly. Once dried, you may decorate. Using the above recipe, I made 18 skulls, varying in size from 2.5 to 3.5" (6.4 to 8.9 cm).