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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Mocha Meringue Kisses

Mocha Meringue Kisses

You’re right, more meringue cookies.  I really think I need some help over here.  NO, not help with eating my cookies!  I’m officially hooked with meringue cookies, both making and eating them!  Well, I don’t think there are any therapies out there for this kind of addiction, are there?  Why am I hooked?  Probably, it’s because these cookies are so versatile.  I get to make them into different shapes and different flavors, pretty much like French macarons.  On the other hand, they are much forgiving than macarons.  For sure you don’t have to worry if your meringue cookies turn out to have “feet” or not, cracked tops, or worse, sticking on your baking sheet!  Yeah, unfortunately, all of the above issues happened to me during macarons making in the past, they are too temperamental.  Quite the opposite, meringue cookies turn out to be perfect every single time.  Any way you want to shape them, they are willing to play along, just like a good husband or boyfriend should be. hahaha….okay, that’s a bad analogy.

Mocha Meringue Kisses

These Mocha Meringue Kisses are crunchy, crispy and airy.  They melt in your mouth and burst with espresso flavor.  Pop a few of these in the morning and you can skip your cup of joe.  Or even better, pop a few of these while sipping your cup of joe, there you go!   :)



Mocha Meringue Kisses









Mocha Meringue Kisses:
Makes: 5 dozens 3/4-inch cookies


3 large pasteurized egg whites, at room temperature
a pinch of kosher salt
3/4 cup caster (superfine baker's) sugar
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (for dipping)

Preheat the oven 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt until frothy, about 2 minute. With the machine on medium-high speed, gradually add the sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Add the cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is thick, shiny and holds stiff peaks, about 5 to 7 minutes. 

Transfer meringue into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip.  Pipe meringue in 3/4-inch diameter and 1-inch apart onto lined baking sheets. Bake for 45 minutes.  Rotate the pan and bake for another 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool completely while still in the oven, about 2 hours.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chip on high.  Stir every 30 second intervals until melted.  Let melted chocolate cool slightly.  Dip the bottom of the meringue cookies into the melted chocolate and place them back onto the lined baking sheet.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until chocolate harden.


40 comments:

  1. That's sound so easy to make. I must make them for sure. Is it alright that I lower the sugar?

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  2. Oh my goodness. These are absolutely adorable! I'll have to print them off. These would be such a sweet gift for Valentines Day.

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  3. These are absolutely delightful!! Pop pop pop - that's the sound they would make going into my tummy.

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  4. My goodness, these are simply addictive! Yummm... I think I'll double the recipe. Thanks. Hope you'll have a great weekend.
    Kristy

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  5. @ Anncoo: Yes, you definitely can lower the sugar amount. I tried the very same recipe with just 1/2 cup of sugar. However, I found the texture and flavor to be the best at 3/4 cup of sugar. Especially, the espresso powder I used was pretty strong. The "extra" sugar helps balance the bitterness of the espresso flavor. :)

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  6. Looks very pretty and fun to make! My kids would really love this! Thank you for sharing.

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  7. Very lovely and cute! I've never tried making macarons - too scared of them - but meringue cookies are something we make quite often in our house :D I'm always impressed with the flavours you come up with - your're so creative!

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  8. These are so prettily presented! I love their little peak

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  9. Super WOW!!!!!! Fabulous recipe.

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  10. What a beautiful bake! Perfect and simply mouthwatering....

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  11. They look so good! I love making meringues, cause like you said, they're super forgiving. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. These look so good. I've never had meringue cookies before. I know... that's a shame. I think I need to make these and see what all the hype is about.

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  13. They turned out so cute! I have made them with peppermints and mini chocolate chips:)

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  14. All I can say is AWESOME. Great looking cookies. Your pictures are wonderful and I bet these cookies are too!

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  15. Hi Amy,
    Your Kisses are just precious and they look delicious. These are a very special treat. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and please come back!

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  16. These look great. I don't like the flavor of coffee, but it looks like it's easy to skip in this recipe.

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  17. Oh my goodness...another picture of perfection!
    They look too cute to eat, but of course I know that a plate of these would not last long at my house! They sound light, yet satisfying. Can't wait to try these cuties! xo

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  18. Wow - these looks so beautiful. I bet they are supper light & yummy, too. Bravo!

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  19. You make beautiful dessert! Those look like pretty little jewels:)!!

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  20. I LOVE KISSES and these look and sound GREAT!!!

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  21. These are beautiful! I bet the taste amazing.

    I'm hosting a weekly link up, Sweet Tooth Friday, and I'd love to have you share your recipe. http://alli-n-son.com/2011/03/10/vanilla-donuts/

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  22. I would love to try these. Your pictures are perfect.

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  23. Gorgeous kisses, Amy! As always, your photography is outstanding...

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  24. They look delicious Amy! I can understand why you are so hooked!

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  25. Wow, these look amazing! Sweets for a Saturday sent me your way :).

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  26. You have completely convinced me; I must try meringue cookies! Your kisses are adorable!

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  27. these are GORGEOUS! And I bet they taste fantastic :) Will have to give them a try soon!

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  28. I'm so on a meringue train these days too...pavlovas and such!! I totally feel your love for the crispy chewy delightful stuff!!

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  29. These are beautiful! I love meringues too. Your photos and recipe may just be the push I need to make some this week.

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  30. Oh my gosh, those are gorgeous!!! Look so yummy too!

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  31. These little meringue kisses are so cute! I love that they're low in fat too. Coffee and chocolate are a great combination. :)

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  32. @Erika Beth: If you don't like coffee flavor, you might want to try other flavors such as Orange with chocolate or Straberry with chocolate. Sounds good? Check the links below for the recipes.

    http://utry.it/2010/12/orange-chocolate-meringue-kissesand.html

    http://utry.it/2011/02/chocolate-dipped-strawberry-meringue.html

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  33. They are so pretty...I'm going to have to make them! Thanks for the recipe. :)

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  34. Oh, they are adorable! I bet they taste wonderful, too!

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  35. These look so pro.I hardly get meringues right so I am in awe of everyone who makes them as perfectly as you did.Look super cute.

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  36. Amy, this food is an art!! It looks so pretty!

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  37. Oh my! These are lovely! I am eager to try them :)

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