Star's Wish Macaron Tower

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper, drawing star shapes as guides if desired.
2. 2

   Whip the aged egg whites in a stand mixer on medium speed until foamy; add cream of tartar and salt, then gradually add granulated sugar, increasing speed to high until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 7-10 minutes.
3. 3

   Divide the meringue into three equal portions in separate bowls; gently fold in a different gel food coloring into each portion until just combined to create pastel pink, blue, and yellow meringues.
4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar.
5. 5

   Fold a third of the almond flour mixture into each colored meringue bowl using a spatula, then gently continue folding until a lava-like consistency is achieved and the batter flows slowly off the spatula in a ribbon (this is the 'macaronage' stage).
6. 6

   Transfer each color of macaron batter into separate piping bags fitted with a small round tip.
7. 7

   Pipe star shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each macaron; gently tap the baking sheets repeatedly on the counter to release air bubbles.
8. 8

   Let the piped macarons air dry at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms and they are no longer sticky to the touch.
9. 9

   Bake one sheet at a time for 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway through, until they have developed 'feet' and the shells are firm; cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.
10. 10

    While macarons cool, prepare the ganache: heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering, then pour over the finely chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl, letting it sit for 2 minutes.
11. 11

    Whisk the white chocolate and cream until smooth and fully combined, then stir in the vanilla extract; refrigerate the ganache for at least 30 minutes, or until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
12. 12

    Once cooled, match macaron shells of similar sizes, pipe or spread a generous dollop of ganache onto the flat side of one shell, and gently sandwich with another shell.
13. 13

    Arrange the filled macarons into a whimsical tower on a serving platter, creating a magical centerpiece for any celebration.