day 23 - mocha-chip meringues

My favorite magazine (Everyday Food) puts out a light issue every year.  In it they have all those 'new years resolution' type recipes, including a light cookie.  Today I thought I'd try out one of those, goodness knows after this past month, I'm going to need to go on a strict diet to get back into my jeans!

Mocha-chip Meringues are light and airy, but full of decadent flavor so they feel indulgent.  At only 23 calories each, they certainly fit within the acceptable range!  Meringues may seem daunting to make, lots of egg whites, needing to get all fluffy so they turn out.  Really, they are simple, with a few precise steps, they will turn out and look impressive.  First it is important to make sure all ingredients are room temperature that way everything will combine well.  Also your bowl and whisk need to be clean and free of any residue, otherwise the egg whites will not whip fully.

So, in a large mixing bowl combine egg whites and salt. Whip until fluffy, then add a combination of sugar and cornstarch very slowly and beat until glossy and stiff peaks.  At this point you add in cocoa powder and espresso powder and mix until combined.  DO NOT let your 5yr old turn on the mixer at this stage, otherwise you will have a chocolate cloud explode all over your kitchen!  Once these ingredients are fully incorporated, fold in the chocolate chips.  Using a tablespoon measure, place mounds of the batter onto cookie sheets, and placed in a 300*F oven for about 40 minutes.  Let cool completely on the sheet pan before removing to a rack.  That is it!  Light, crispy, and super chocolatey!