Mocha (or lemon) Meringue

We have committed to doing 8 minute abs for 30 days, and although I cannot laugh, poop, bend over, or cough without my abs screaming, I'm really liking it.  In an effort to actually see the results, I am trying to learn more healthy desserts. I. Love. Dessert. and I would be ok with never seeing my abs again if it meant I could eat my weight in oreo's and sixlets every night.  So dessert for me must be delicious, not taste diet, and calm my sweet tooth.   I would never have thought meringue cookies would be any good, but these really are. They are super sweet, and definately for coffee lovers, and the best part - only 15-20 calories per cookie!!!

(If mocha is not for you, I have also made a batch of lemon zest meringues that were out of sight. Leave out the coffee and substitute 2 tsp of densely packed lemon zest instead of cocoa - you're in for a citrus delight! they are very refreshing.)

Mocha Meringue Cookies
2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp white vinegar
pinch of salt
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp instant coffee

Wisk all ingredients in a double boiler over simmering water (I use a glass bowl over a regular pot).  Wisk until you can pick up the egg mixture with 2 fingers, rub together, and the grainly feeling of the sugar is gone.  Check often - you don't want to overcook the eggs.  As soon as the sugar is dissolved, take it off the heat and dump it into another bowl.  Beat it with a hand mixer (or upright mixer with a wisk attachment) until you form stiff peaks.  Dump this into a plastic bag and cut off the corner (or use some fancy cake decorating tips!) and pipe it onto parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 250 for 40 minutes, then turn off the oven and let them sit inside for another hour. Try to resist opening the oven - they should cool off without disruption. :) 

This recipe yields 10-15 medium sized cookies (1 1/2" - 2" in diameter). These cookies have an almost gooey center - you'll love them! Let me know if you bake them or if you have any other ideas for an adapted recipe.

Tip: Store in an air-tight container, and do not put them in the fridge because the cold will cause them to become soggy. I also tried making these with splenda so they would be sugar free, but I prefer the taste of real sugar. They were way too sweet with the splenda. And besides...if you have a mini-dance party and rock-it out to 2 songs without stopping, you burn about 25 calories (maybe more depending on your dance moves) so I say eat, dance, and be happy.

enjoy!