Recipe: Violet macarons

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup blanched whole almonds
• 1-3⁄4 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 1 teaspoon violet extract
• 1 or 2 scant drops violet food coloring
• 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A few drops of violet extract
• A few drops of violet food coloring
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half