Orange Crunch Icing

Directions

1. 1
   In a saucepan over medium heat, cook 1 cup of the sugar and water, stirring until sugar dissolves, then boil gently, without stirring, util temperature reaches 242 degrees F on a thermometer. Be sure to check to see that sugar granules are not clinging to sides of pan. If they are, gently brush off with a wet pastry brush.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl & with mixer on high speed, beat eggs just until foamy.
3. 3
   Remove sugar syrup from heat, reduce mixer speed to low & gradually pour syrup in a steady stream into the beaten eggs. DO NOT POUR SYRUP ONTO BEATERS, as this will spray sugar onto sides of bowl & it will harden.
4. 4
   After all sugar mixture has been added, increase speed to high & beat until mixture cools to room temperature, about 20 minutes. You can test this by touching bottom half of bowl.
5. 5
   With mixer running, add butter, a few pieces at a time, whipping until butter is incorporated & buttercream is fluffy & creamy, about 4 minutes.
6. 6
   Fold in orange zest by hand, then set aside.
7. 7
   Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
8. 8
   In a bowl, combine almonds, egg white & remaining 1/2 cup sugar, then toss to coat evenly.
9. 9
   Spread onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
10. 10
    Bake in preheated oven until golden, about 8-10 minutes, stirring almonds once or twice to bake evenly.
11. 11
    Let cool completely, then fold into orange buttercream.