The Freshman Cook: February 2013

Today is reveal day for the Improv Cooking Challenge. This challenge is always fun, and this month the two ingredients we were required to use are Hearts and Flours! Aren’t they just perfect choices for the month of February?! I made these Meringue and Chocolate Surprise Cookies, and I think they are a great example of everything heart and flour during this month of love!

Meringue and Chocolate Surprise Cookies

1/2 cup Butter

1/2 cup Sugar

1 tablespoon Milk

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

1 1/4 cup Flour

2 Egg Whites

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

1/2 cup Sugar

40 Milk Chocolate Kisses

Start with making your cookie base. 

Beat butter in a bowl on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Add 1/2 cup Sugar and beat until combined, scraping

sides occasionally. Beat in milk, 

and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. 

Beat in your flour, and combine well.

Roll out the dough to 1/4″ thickness. 

Chill dough for 4-48 hours.

Cut heart shaped cookies from dough. 

Place on a baking sheet, and return to refrigerator.

Beat your egg whites, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, cinnamon,

and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl,  with an

electric mixer on medium to high speed until   

soft peaks form.   

Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, 

beating on high about 7 minutes,…….

or until very stiff  

peaks form, and sugar is dissolved.

Spoon the mixture into a decorating bag, fitted

with a medium star tip.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. 

Take your baking sheet from the refrigerator.

Place a chocolate kiss in the center of each heart.

Using your pastry bag, 

pipe the meringue around each kiss.

Start at the center of the heart, and

 continue around and 

up until the chocolate kiss is covered.

Cook for 15-18 minutes, until meringue is

slightly browned. Cool on wire rack. 

Enjoy your Meringue and Chocolate Surprise Cookies! We are visiting the following parties:

Networking Saturday

Thanks for joining me today, and don’t forget to 

check out all the wonderful Improv recipes!

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