Sweetheart Meringues (Marbled Chocolate Meringues)

Here's a treat to make for your valentine:

MARBLED CHOCOLATE MERINGUES

3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

4 egg whites

1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 275.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a saucepan, bring 1-2 inches water to a simmer.  Put chocolate in a heatproof bowl over (but not touching) simmering water and melt, stirring occasionally.  Set aside and let cool slightly.

In another heatproof bowl, combine egg whites and sugar over (but not touching) simmering water and whisk until mixture is hot, 4-5 minutes.  Remove bowl from heat.  Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until stiff peaks form and mixture is lukewarm, 4-5 minutes.

Drizzle melted chocolate over egg white mixture, folding in with a rubber spatula until just marbled.

With a soup spoon, drop batter in large mounds, coaxing into a heart shape, spaced 1 1/2-2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.  Bake until crisp outside and still chewy inside, 35-40 minutes.  Transfer sheets to a wire rack and let cool completely before removing cookies from parchment.  Store in an airtight container.

(makes 20 cookies)