Forgotten Cookies

Forgotten cookies never seem to be forgotten around our house. Invariably, I end up making a second batch just before Christmas to replace the cookies that have mysteriously disappeared. The combination of the sweet meringue and the slightly bitter chocolate seems to tempt everyone. Since I don't have much use for the yolks that are left behind, I have been using powdered egg whites instead of the real thing and they have worked quite well.  I used to be able to find coffee-flavored meringues at a local grocery, but they no longer carry them. I found that adding 1 tsp. of instant coffee dissolved in 1 tsp. of vanilla to the recipe and leaving out the chocolate chips makes a good coffee meringue.

FORGOTTEN COOKIES

2 egg whites

3/4 cup granulated sugar

16 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Whip egg whites in a deep bowl at high speed. When soft peaks form, gradually add the sugar, then gently fold in the chips. You can add a few drops of red or green food coloring if you want. Drop by heaping spoonful on greased or parchment paper-covered cookie sheets. Place in a preheated 375 (F) oven and turn off heat. Let sit until oven is cold.
WARNING: Don't actually forget the cookies! You will be very disappointed when you preheat the oven for something else and open the oven door to find your meringues have been baked again. The results aren't pretty!