Called the Forgotten Cookies because once cooked, the oven is turned off and the cookies sit there for eight hours or overnight. I will usually make them in the evening for this very reason. This gives them a chewy-crunchy texture.
These cookies are so easy to make with just a few ingredients,
Two egg whites, 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste, 3/4 cup milk chocolate chunks, 3/4 cup chopped, toasted pecans, 1/4 cup dried blueberries. With the additives, you can change things up — if you like bittersweet chocolate, go ahead; if you like dried cherries, make the substitution, but keep the measurements the same.
Add the egg whites and cream of tartar to a stand mixer (it’s easiest) and whip on medium until soft peaks form. Then slowly add the sugar and then the vanilla bean paste. (NOTE: I turn the mixer off to add the vbp — if you don’t, the balloon whisk shoots it all over the sides of the bowl instead of getting into the egg whites. Trust me, I’ve learned…). Whip on high speed until still peaks form. (I don’t give times for the whipping because everybody uses different types of mixers.)
soft peaks 
stiff peaks
Once the peaks are stiff fold in your delicious additives
Take two spoons and drop 2-inch balls of the meringue mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Recipe makes 18, but my cookies are larger and make 12-14.
Bake at 350 for 5 minutes. Then turn off the heat and let them sit in the oven for 8 hours. If you make them in the evening, they stay in the oven overnight. Your wait will be rewarded by a delicious cookie that is very much out of the mainstream. Plus, they are beautiful to look at! I admit, after about two hours, I’ll take one out and surreptitiously eat it — sometimes I just can’t wait.
This recipe was adapted from Chicago chef Sarah Grueneberg’s “Forgotten Cookies.”
Pandemic: If you wear a mask (I’m making my own today) remember it does not make you invincible. If you must go out, practice social distancing and don’t touch people. If you do, sanitize your hands immediately and don’t touch your face. Stay safe and healthy!
#cookies #meringuecookies #cooking #baking #zerotohero
A Gardener's Diary 