Chocolate Cherry Meringues

I stumbled across another tasty cherry dessert idea while doing my daily web search for all things cherry. This recipe comes from Ann Lovejoy at SeattlePi.com. Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY MERINGUES
MAKES ABOUT 50

2 egg whites, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
2/3 cup sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons tart dried cherries, finely chopped
2 tablespoons bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Cover two baking sheets with foil or baking parchment.

In a deep bowl, combine egg whites and salt and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar by the tablespoon, beating constantly between each addition. When egg whites are stiff but not dry, gently fold in vanilla, cherries, and chocolate.

Drop by teaspoonfuls on the cookie sheets or pipe into rosettes (use a 1/2-inch star tip). Bake until dry but not browned (45-50 minutes). Turn off oven and leave meringues to cool completely before removing from pan. Store in a tightly sealed tin.