Serves: 2
Total Calories: 378

3 eggs white large, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 ounce semi-sweet baking chocolate or unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
1/2 to 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa

At least 3 hours or up to 2 weeks before serving:

Preheat oven to 225°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or brown paper. In a small mixer bowl at medium speed, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and beat at high speed until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until egg whites are stiff and glossy and sugar is dissolved. Beat in extracts.

Using a large decorating bag fitted with a #7 or #10 round tube, pipe meringue onto paper-lined baking sheet to form mushroom caps. Hold bag perpendicular to the surface with tube close to paper and pipe a mound 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, carefully drawing tip off so top is left smooth. On second baking sheet, form stems by piping a base about 3/4 inch in diameter and drawing straight up slowly to form a stem about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Make some curved stems.

Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until crisp and lightly browned. Turn off oven and, leaving door closed, let meringues stand in oven to cool and dry thoroughly.

To assemble, use a small sharp knife and carve out a hole in the base of the mushroom cap. Fill with a small amount of chocolate and insert stem let dry. Dust caps lightly with cocoa powder.

Use to decorate Chestnut Bûche de Noël or serve as a confection. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 2
Total Calories: 378
Calories from Fat: 66

More Recipes from the Miriam Cooks For The Holidays Cookbook:
Caramel Pecan Rolls
English Toffee
Meringue Mushrooms
Mock Marzipan Strawberries
Orange-Chocolate Balls
Peanut Cremes
Salt Water Taffy