Mocha Meringue Bark

This weekend, I finished my Christmas shopping!  The presents are wrapped and ready to be loaded into Sheldon (my Honda Fit) and driven home!  Only problem is that I have to wait until Thursday night to do it.

If you aren't finished shopping though and you need a last minute idea for that person that you don't know that well.  Maybe a co-worker or a neighbor.  Someone you feel like you should give a gift, but you've never actually  had a conversation with him/her that lasted more than 5 minutes.

You can't be expected to know what their hobbies and interests are.  Let alone what they already have or what they need.

This is precisely where food gifts come into the picture.  Food is always useful, always appreciated, and if homemade, it tells the person you care enough about them to spend time on them.

They don't have to know that this meringue bark is super easy and although it takes some time, it's almost all downtime.  Even if they do know (because they ask you for the recipe so you're forced to show them just how little effort you put into it), they'll still love you for it because it's delicious.

MOCHA MERINGUE BARk
Recipe from Claire Robinson
1/2 c. blanched slivered almonds, divided
1/4 c. + 1 tsp. sugar, divided
4 egg whites
Pinch salt
1 Tbsp. instant coffee
1/3 c. mini chocolate chips

1.  In a food processor, blend 1/4 c. of the almonds and 1 tsp. sugar until forms the consistency of cornmeal.  Set aside.

2.  Finely chop the remaining almonds.  Set aside.

3.  Beat egg whites until very soft peaks have formed.  In a small bowl, combine remaining sugar and coffee. Gradually add sugar/coffee mixture to egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat).  Gently fold in almond flour.

4.  Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Spread meringue onto cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with remaining almonds and chocolate chips.

5.  Bake at 250˚ for 1 hour.  Turn off oven and leave meringues in oven overnight.  Break into pieces.

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