52 cookies :: week 16 :: chocolate meringue cookies

we have an abundance of eggs. both of our ladies are laying regularly. so meringues seemed a good choice this week.



Chocolate Meringue Cookies
Martha Stewart Living

4 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 c sugar
1 pinch cream of tartar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Fill medium saucepan one quarter full with water. Set the saucepan over medium heat, and bring water to a simmer.
Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in the heatproof bowl and place over saucepan. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch about 3 1/2 mins. (Test by rubbing between your fingers.)

Remove from heat and whip, starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 10 mins. Add vanilla, and mix to combine.

Sift 1/4 cup of cocoa over the meringue, and fold so that streaks of cocoa remain. Pipe out cookies with pastry bag into small coils or desired shapes onto baking sheet. Sift remaining cocoa over cookies; bake until cookies lift off parchment easily, about 2 hours.



{while the kids still like these - i would rate them an F. they did not dry out enough. i think that they could have used more time in the oven - but it was late, i was tired, and i just couldn't do it. must stop midnight baking. i haven't attempted meringue cookies before - but have made this. it uses the hotter and shorter vs. cooler and longer approach to meringue. i'll revisit cookies with the former i think.}

K: It tastes like chocolate gum. They are very good. Nothing can make them better.

E: Mmm mmmm mmm, it tastes like chocolate gum,
It really is yum yum yum,
I think you'll like them too,
If you don't I will for you!!!

Do you like my poem?

D: I know why you think these chocolate meringues are a failure, I also know why K called them chocolate gum, and I know why E wrote a poem about them. I want to rename them "Armageddon"* cuz what else can taste like the end of the world and at the same time pull out a molar? They bring out the homogeneity* in this mixed up world. Their collaboration* reminds me of Australia*. An island and a desert. As I go deeper to accommodate*, I feel as if I am bankrupt* of all descriptions. and now I need a napkin*. I heart you my bougainvillea*! Xoxoxoxx ;-)

*we held a little spelling bee in the family room tonight after dinner. d is showing off a little here :)