Chocolate Candy Bar Meringues

Source: The American Dietetic Association/National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics

These cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth or chocolate craving. They are filled with chocolate candy bar flavor and very little fat, so choose any favorites to use in this recipe.

3 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup egg whites (about 3 to 4)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces chocolate-covered candy bars, cut
    into small pieces (about 3/4 to 1 cup)

Heat oven to 275 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil.

In small bowl, sift together cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.

In large bowl, beat egg whites at medium speed until soft peaks are formed. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until whites are stiff and glossy and sugar is dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gently fold in cocoa mixture and candy pieces. Drop batter by heaping teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets, and bake in oven about 1 hour or until almost firm to touch.

Reverse position of pans after 30 minutes to ensure even baking. (For chewier insides, cook 10 to 15 minutes less.) Cool cookies completely before removing from baking sheet, and store in airtight container.

Makes 24 cookies.

Nutrition information per cookie (using chocolate-covered candy bars with nougat and caramel center): 49 calories, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 1 gram total fat, 1 gram saturated fat