Reason #3837 why I love my dad: He always makes time for the people who need him, whatever the situation and whenever the issue arises.
I’m a thousand miles farther from home than I’d like to be today, his birthday. Immediately my thoughts were to send a treat, but when it comes to mailing perishable items, our list of letdowns is long and sad. The only thing left to do was bake, raise a cold glass of milk, say a few words and then eat in his honor. (No parent condones wasting food after all. Think of the starving children!)
I sat brainstorming what dessert would make Dad happy: red velvet cupcakes, cherry squares, Linzer cookies, a flourless chocolate cake with sinful ganache. I would normally have gone the decadent route, dense, rich and chocolaty but instead, because I’ve been mildly obsessed with cocoa powder lately and had a container full of egg whites in the freezer, I chose to make chocolate meringues.
The idea quickly evolved to sandwiching two meringues together with that sinful ganache — one of Dad’s weaknesses; plus a light touch of espresso powder to supercharge the chocolate flavor.
So Dad, on your birthday this year, in lieu of being home or shipping treats, I have big hugs and meltaway mocha meringue kisses. You would enjoy them greatly. I just know you would. We sure did.
Here’s to you!
Mocha Meringue Kisses [makes 30]
3 large egg whites
3/4 c + 2 T fine granulated sugar
1 t cornstarch
½ t white vinegar
½ t pure vanilla extract
2 T cocoa powder (we like natural process for its rich chocolaty flavor)
3 t espresso powder, or very finely ground coffee
80 g (about 1/2 c) dark chocolate chunks or chips
Preheat oven to 265° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat liners.
In a large bowl or with a stand mixer, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. While continuously whisking, add the sugar 1 T at a time until stiff and shiny. Whisk in the vanilla, cornstarch, vinegar, cocoa powder and 2 t espresso powder just until combined.
Using a piping bag fitted with only the coupler or a plain 1/2″ tip (or cut the corner off a Ziploc bag to make a hole 1/2″ in diameter), pipe 60 quarter-sized blobs onto the prepared baking sheets, approximately 1 1/2″ apart.
Bake 25 minutes. Turn oven off and, with the door slightly ajar, allow meringues to cool completely.
Melt the chocolate chunks or chips with the remaining 1 t espresso powder in a bowl set over saucepan of simmering water. Allow to cool, then use to sandwich the meringue bases together. Meringue kisses will keep 2-3 days in an airtight container.
From delicious.magazine via butter sugar flour
I found your website from a link at Smithbites and am so glad I did! I absolutely love meringue cookies but the idea of putting two together with ganache? Priceless.
I’ve participated in macaron madness and despite the craziness some adhere to in achieving the perfect macaron from egg whites; I so much prefer making meringue cookies. Their success is more of a given and that’s just something that appeals to me when I’m cooking!
Thanks…they sound divine.
happy birthday to dad!!! :)
those look pretty tasty too- i’m sure that dad & sandy will reply “Looks amazing! Something we’ll have to try!” (and then I’ll just mysteriously show up at their house that day…)
These look so perfect and delicious, like they came from some fancy pastry shop in Paris! What a wonderful way to celebrate your dad’s birthday.
The Parisian patisseries on the Rue de Buci have nothing over on you Heath. Magnifique!
Thanks for the vicarious treat.
I love you too….
Very sweet and original kisses for your Dad’s birthday ! He’s a lucky Dad for sure !
Hi Heather,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and your nice comment. Always nice to hear from someone new.
Looks like you are from Wisconsin, too, and traveling around the globe a bit–I can relate. :)
These little meringue kisses look tasty!
Best,
Julia
@Barbara: Thank you for stopping by and your comments! Macarons are still on my “to-make” list. I agree, though, that meringues are equally as pretty, and (would seem) infinitely more simple.
@rach: Definitely plan to be at their house when these are there. Better yet, make them yourself.
@Karen: It was a feeble attempt to say happy birthday in Wisconsin from Florida — though from his comment, it seems he liked it! Thanks so much for the nice words.
@dad: Being home would’ve been far nicer, but I’m glad you think they surpass Paris sweets!
@Vanille: You’re too sweet! Thanks Vanille.
@Julia: Fellow Wisconsinites always understand the longing to return home. I will say, however, that I’m jealous of your current set-up in Switzerland!
These are so pretty! The mocha flavor sounds delicious too. Great choice for your Dad.
Aww! What a lovely post to your Father… the mocha meringue kisses look amazing! I think I’ll try them for my Mom’s birthday :-) Best, Eva
These are gorgeous, Heather. I bet he loved them!
I’m a big meringue fan too. Mocha flavor? To die for!
Hi, thank you for visiting my blog…So you made the meringue too! bye, MArtina
Hi, thank you for visiting my blog… bye, Martina!