Chocolate Meringue Stars

Subject: Chocolate Meringue Stars Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:26 pm

3 egg whites

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

Glaze

3 squares (1oz each) semisweet chocolate

1 tbsp shortening

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and vanilla until soft peaks form

Gradually add sugar, about 2 tbsp at a time, beating until stiff peaks form

Gently fold in cocoa

Place in a pastry bag with a large open star tip (#8b)

Line baking sheets with ungreased parchment paper, or drop by rounded tsps

Bake at 300F for 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned

Remove from parchment paper, cool on wire racks

In microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate and shortening, stir until smooth

Dip the cookies halfway into glaze, place on waxed pape to set

Yield about 4 dozen