Meringue Cookies ('Forgotten Kisses')

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Prep Time: 20 min
Inactive Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 2 hr 0 min
Level: Easy
Serves: about 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup superfine granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped semisweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Method
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.

2. Put egg whites into a standup mixer, add a pinch of salt. Start the mixer on low, gradually increasing the speed to medium until quite foamy and soft peaks can just begin to form, about 2-3 minutes. Egg white bubbles should be small and uniform.

3. Increase the speed to medium high and slowly add the sugar, a little (1-2 teaspoons) at a time. Continue to whip egg whites and sugar for a few minutes, then add the vinegar. Increase the speed to the highest setting and whip the egg whites until they are glossy and stiff peaks form when the whisk is lifted, about 4 to 5 minutes.

4. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the the mini chocolate chips and walnuts.

5. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Either use a spoon to drop teaspoonfuls of the meringue mixture onto the cookie sheets (spaced an inch apart) or use a pastry piping bag (can make one with a plastic freezer bag with the corner cut off) to pipe mounds (1 1/2 inches wide) onto the lined cookie sheet.

6. Put the cookie sheets in the 300°F oven, close the door. Wait for one minute only, then turn the oven OFF. Do not open the door for another 3 hours. You can leave them in the oven overnight. The meringues will gently cook in the residual heat of the oven. When done, the meringues will be lightly crisp on the outside and light and airy on the inside. If they are still a little chewy after 3 hours, just let them dry out for a few more hours.

Store in an airtight container.

Per Cookie: (48);
Calories: 44; Total Fat: 2.5 grams; Saturated Fat:0.5 grams; Protein: 1 gram; Total carbohydrates: 5 grams; Sugar: 5 grams; Fiber: 0 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 3 milligrams


Source 1: Meringue Cookies ("Forgotten Kisses")
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_22772_RECIPE-PRINT-FULL-PAGE-FORMATTER,00.html
Source 2: Peppermint Meringue Cookies
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/peppermint_meringue_cookies/