This blog has become such a part of my life that when I don't post, it feels like something is missing. I knew that with the move, any projects, both personal and professional, would have to be put on hold. Through it all, though, my mind hasn't stopped churning out ideas for recipes.
Moving into our house, I'm inspired to get back to the roots of why I started this site. There are recipes from my childhood I've been wanting to share, but, for whatever reason, put them aside for other creations. These "Forgotten Cookies" are so simple, both in the ingredients and in its preparation, that I wonder why I don't make them more often. Oh, right... now I remember. Because I'd be eating them all day. Now, comparatively, this is a pretty healthy dessert. Egg white, sugar, a bit of vanilla extract and, for my version here, a little cocoa powder.
My mom would make these for us as children... in fact, it was one of the first things I learned how to bake. Usually, she'd keep them plain (no cocoa) or add mini chocolate chips. I've modified the recipe slightly. What's fun about these is that once you throw them in the oven, you just turn off the heat and leave them in there. You can leave the house to run errands or make them before heading to bed.
Forgotten Cookies
Yield 12 cookies
Ingredients
3 large eggs, whites only, room temp 3/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Move oven rack to the center. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper.
2. Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer. With the whisk attachment in place, beat egg whites at medium-high speed, until soft peaks form. Continue to beat the egg whites as you gradually add the sugar. they have soft peaks. Mix in the vanilla extract and, if you're using it, the cocoa powder.
3. Drop heaping tablespoons onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave an inch and a half between cookies. Put the pans in the hot oven and IMMEDIATELY turn off the heat.
