Almond Macaroons with Swiss Meringue Buttercream

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup whole almonds with skin (1/4 pound), and cooled completely
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pure almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature for 30 minutes
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature for 30 minutes