Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 large egg
4 cups milk
1/2 cup cornstarch
10 large egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
One 4-ounce jar amarena cherries, pureed
Red gel color, optional
2 tablespoons pure pistachio paste
Green gel color, optional
1 cup heavy cream, very cold
2 pounds confectioners' sugar
4 to 6 egg whites (1/2 to 3/4 cup)
Candy, for decorating
The pastry cream can be made 2 to 3 days before you need to use it. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.