December is here and so often our focus turns to holidays, parties, and eating…which is ok if you focus on the meaning, purpose, family, friends, and fun! As for the eating, it can totally be healthy! One of my favorite holiday treats are meringues. Why you ask? They’re basically bite-sized popables made of fat-free egg whites and sweetener (I prefer Splenda). And what makes ANYTHING better?! CHOCOLATE! This version uses unsweetened cocoa powder to give that delicious chocolatey flavor your taste buds crave. They’re light, airy, and crispy! Additionally, just 2-3 egg whites will make dozens of small meringues so you make a lot with very little money/ingredients!
Cocoa Meringue Shells http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=818931
- 3 egg whites
- 1/8 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/8 cup Splenda (6 Tbsp)
- 1/8 cup cocoa powder
Preheat oven to 275. Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Wipe out mixing bowl and beaters with vinegar to ensure there is no grease on them. Place egg whites in the cleaned bowl and beat at high speed until stiff. This process with take ~8 min. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat. Slowly add Splenda. Remove beaters and fold in cocoa powder using a rubber spatula. Dollop about a Tbsp of the mixture for each meringue for bite-sized pieces, or for more uniform bites, you can pipe it from a baggie with the corner cut out. Bake in the middle and lower section of oven for 1 hr. Turn off oven, and DO NOT open door. Allow meringues to sit in warmed oven for another hour. Remove from oven to cool. Store in an air-tight container.
You’re certainly welcome to jazz these up with spices and extracts or omit the cocoa if you’re not a fan. Make a variety of flavors for a lovely assortment to give as gifts or display on a snacks table! This holiday season, feast airy, feast crispy, as always…FEAST ON!!!
~Coach Lauren
