Cookies & Dessert Bars

Nutty Caramel Meringue

Ingredients:

4 egg whites
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cream of tartar
4 cups (1 L) sifted powdered sugar
2 cups (500 mL) chopped cashews
36 vanilla caramels, unwrapped
2 tbsp (30 mL) milk

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a cookie sheet; set aside. Add vanilla and cream of tartar to egg whites. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating on medium speed just until combined. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes more or until soft peaks form. (Do not continue beating to form stiff peaks.) Using a spoon, gently fold in the cashews. Drop egg white mixture by rounded teaspoon about 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake cookies in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned.

Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. In a small saucepan, combine the caramels and milk. Heat and stir over low heat until the caramels are melted. Place cookies on a wire rack over waxed paper. Drizzle caramel mixture over cookies. If desired, sprinkle with additional chopped cashews or mixed nuts. Let stand until caramel mixture is set. Makes 60 cookies.

Nutrients per serving:

Calories: 73.8
Protein: 1.1 g
Carbohydrate: 12.4 g
Fat: 2.5 g
Sodium: 12 mg