Meringues with chocolate chips

Meringues with chocolate chips are a light and crunchy dessert, a delicious variation of the classic meringue. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 4 room temperature egg whites
• 250 g of fine granulated sugar (powdered sugar is better)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 100 g of chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 100 °C (212 °F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a clean and dry bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy.
3. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whip until you get a smooth, glossy mixture that forms stiff peaks.
4. If desired, add the vanilla extract and gently fold it in.
5. Fold the chocolate chips into the meringue mixture, being careful not to deflate it. You can do this slowly with a spatula using gentle movements from the bottom up.
6. Using two spoons or a piping bag, form small meringues on the parchment paper.
7. Bake the meringues for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The meringues are ready when they can be easily lifted off the parchment and are dry to the touch.
8. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly open until they cool down completely.

Store the meringues in an airtight container to preserve their crispiness.

Curiosity

Meringues have a fascinating history. It is believed that the name derives from the Swiss city of Meiringen and that it was an Italian pastry chef, Gasparini, who invented this delicacy in the 18th century. Naturally, adding chocolate chips is a modern touch that makes them even more irresistible.