Marzipan Yule Logs

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine raisins and rum. Cover and let stand overnight. Drain, reserving liquid.
2. In another small bowl, dissolve meringue powder in water. Place almonds and 1/2 cup confectioners sugar in a food processor; pulse until almonds are finely ground. Add remaining confectioners' sugar; pulse until blended. Add extract, corn syrup and meringue mixture; process until mixture forms a ball. Remove and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
3. Crumble almond paste into a large bowl. Knead in drained raisins and candied peel. If mixture is too stiff, add enough reserved rum as necessary to soften. Divide mixture in half; shape each into a 6-in. log. Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until firm.
4. Unwrap logs; brush all sides with melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper. Decorate with pecans and cherries. To serve, cut crosswise into slices.