Rose Water Vanilla Bean Meringues with Mini Chocolate Chips
These little desserts are heaven on earth, the texture, flavor and cloud-like color are perfect for a special get together or a late night dessert. They just melt in your mouth between the floral notes of rose water and the sweetness of the chocolate chips they really balance out. Meringues work best when the eggs are at room temperature, they are easier to separate the whites from the yolks. This can be done quickly in the microwave for five seconds if you need to. They can be made a day or two in advance and will keep for a week in an airtight container.
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
- pinch of salt
- 4-5 drops of rosewater (this is strong so use carefully)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Place oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 200 degrees F. Line 2 baking pans with either a Silpat or parchment paper.
In a clean dry mixing bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or hand held mixer, add the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt. Starting slowly, mix the egg whites gradually gaining speed until the whites are foamy. Slowly add the sugar with the motor running and mix for about 3-4 minutes. Add the rose water and vanilla bean and continue whipping until peaks are stiff and shiny. Fold in the chocolate chips at the end working with a rubber spatula from the inside out, just until they are incorporated. Make sure not to lose all the air that you just worked so hard to get.
Using a large spoon scoop about 1/4 cup or so in dollop onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they are about 3 inches apart. They are supposed to be very free forming and whimsical looking so have fun with the shapes of them.
Bake for 1 hour or until they are dry. Then turn the oven off and let them sit for another 1 hour to continue to dry.
Time to impress your friends and family. Garnish with whipped cream or dried rose petals and enjoy!!