Forgotten Cookies

All great recipes come with an interesting backstory. The history of these “forgotten cookies” is quite legendary. As a reminder of hope and sacrifice, the chocolate enclosed in meringue represents the body of Jesus Christ in the tomb just outside of Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ago. Often made as a children’s Sunday School lesson, these cookies are most definitely unique. Due to their distinctive texture, it is obvious that this recipe does not call for flour of any kind, which is unusual for most deserts. Not only are they fun and family friendly, but this batch also has a high yield of four dozen cookies—plenty enough to share with the ones you love!

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 Large Egg Whites at Room Temperature

½ Teaspoon Cream of Tartar

⅔ Cup Superfine Granulated Sugar

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips or Finely Chopped Semisweet Chocolate

1 Cup Finely Chopped Walnuts (optional)

Electric Hand/Stand Mixer

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Line 3 cookie sheets with parchment

paper and set them aside for later.

Add egg whites to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until foamy.

Then add the cream of tartar and beat until it reaches a fluffy (but not creamy) consistency.

Add sugar a few tablespoons at a time; add vanilla extract after half the sugar is in the bowl. Continue beating until all sugar is dissolved and the mixture is a tight and foamy consistency.

Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and/or walnuts.

Determine the desired size of your cookies, and use 2 spoons to scoop and drop the dough onto parchment paper, leaving one inch of space between each cookie.

Place cookie sheets into the preheated oven, and then turn the oven off. Let the cookies take shape for the next 2-3 hours without opening the oven.

Take the cookies out of the oven and enjoy. These treats are best served warm!

Expert bakers may notice that this mixture is similar to that of a classic meringue which is added as a topping to some pies such as lemon and chocolate. If you like the taste of these cookies and wish to attempt the topping, try preheating your oven to 425 degrees and follow the same recipe as before (withholding the chocolate chips, of course).

Whichever way you prefer your meringue, follow these tips to ensure your audience a tasty treat!