I really ate way too many Christmas cookies. Way, WAY too many. (Popped them into my mouth like mini-m&m’s, and now there are clothes that don’t fit.) Since I’m still craving a cookie fix, I thought I’d try a lighter alternative as Step 1 in my 12-step “Lay off all those sweets” program.
I found these pretty meringue cookies at sparkpeople.com, a free site loaded with tips, recipes, advice, trackers, etc. designed to help motivate and promote healthy living. Their recipe was titled “Raspberry Meringue Cookies”, but I substituted black cherry jello for the raspberry. Since I had been unsuccessful with meringue cookies in the past, with gooey, uncooked centers, I decided to extend the baking time to 28 minutes. After I turned off the heat, instead of 20 minutes, I left them in the oven for about 2 hours. The result:
a crispy, lofty center. Yum!
I piped them onto parchment paper with a Wilton 4B tip which, honestly, was probably not the best choice. The chips tended to bunch up and jam the tip, so I had to move things around with a toothpick. You can drop by simple teaspoonfuls, but I think I’ll search around for a jumbo star tip to add to my stash.
These cookies are only 20.7 calories each and they are sweet enough to satisfy those I-can-eat-sugar-from-the-sugar-bowl cravings. If I can eat them in moderation, I’ll be in good shape because 20.7 + 20.7 + 20.7+…can only come to no good.
“A”
These are SO cute. I love them and I love black cherry!
Thanks, Leah! I can’t stop eating them 😉
Ann
These are SO cute. I love them and I love black cherry!
Thanks, Leah! I can’t stop eating them 😉
Ann
Welcome to the world of meringue cookie lovers! I added a little espresso coffee powder and minichips to the meringues on the Christmas cookie tray, but I’ve never added a fruit flavor. I might have to break my resolution NOT to bake another cookie until the leftover Christmas cookies in the freezer were eaten…but raspberry and chocolate?..yum..and red cookies would be great on a Valentine’s Day tray.
I’ve seen green minty recipes, but I’m lovin’ the espresso idea! I think those are up next.
Thanks, Trese
Welcome to the world of meringue cookie lovers! I added a little espresso coffee powder and minichips to the meringues on the Christmas cookie tray, but I’ve never added a fruit flavor. I might have to break my resolution NOT to bake another cookie until the leftover Christmas cookies in the freezer were eaten…but raspberry and chocolate?..yum..and red cookies would be great on a Valentine’s Day tray.
I’ve seen green minty recipes, but I’m lovin’ the espresso idea! I think those are up next.
Thanks, Trese