Cherry Meringue Kisses

Cherry Meringue Kisses Ingredients:

• 2/3 Cup (145g) of Caster Sugar
• 2 Egg Whites
• 2 Tablespoons of Chopped Walnuts
• 2 Tablespoons of Finely Chopped Pitted Dates
• 2 Tablespoons of Finely Chopped Glace Cherries

Chocolate Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ Cup (30g) of Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1 Teaspoon of Butter

Method:

1. Break egg whites in a large mixing bowl and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes
2. Then beat on medium speed until soft peaks form
3. Gradually beat in caster sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and all of the sugar is dissolved
4. Fold in the chopped walnuts, the finely chopped pitted dates and the finely chopped glace cherries
5. Preheat oven to 1500C
6. Drop level teaspoons of cherry meringue mixture about 5cm (2”) apart onto lightly greased baking trays
7. Transfer loaded baking trays to a preheated oven and bake at 1500C for 20 – 25 minutes or until lightly browned and firm to the touch
8. Once cooked transfer cherry meringue kisses to wire racks to cool

Chocolate Topping Method:

1. Meanwhile into a microwave or heavy saucepan add the teaspoon of butter and ¼ cup (30g) of dark chocolate chips and melt them
2. Stir melted chocolate chip and butter mixture until smooth and glossy
3. Drizzle the chocolate topping over the cooled meringues and let stand to set
4. Once the chocolate topping has set transfer choc-coated cherry meringue kisses to an airtight container ready for consumption or use in another recipe

Serving:

• These portions will yield around 3 dozen delicious choc-coated cherry meringue kisses
• Choc-coated cherry meringue kisses may be consumed as they are or with beverages such as coffee, tea, Milo, hot chocolate etc.
• They also make great additions to a mixed cookie jar/plate, as a lunch box treat or coffee break delight to brighten up your day.
• We also use these choc-coated cherry meringue kisses in many deserts such as a bowl of stewed fruit smothered in custard with a couple of cherry meringue kisses on top and a generous serving of whipped cream to top all.