Say “Happy Valentine’s Day” with Fresh-Baked Goodies

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and in my book, there’s no better way to show your Valentine how much you appreciate (love!) them than with a gift of homemade chocolate confections. This year, whip up a batch of Chocolate Clouds and you’ll sweep your sweetie off his or her feet in no time at all!

Ingredients:

3 egg whites

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla, beating well after each addition so the stiff peaks remain, the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is glossy. Sift the cocoa powder onto the egg white mixture, then gently fold it in until the ingredients are combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

Bake at 300°F for 35 to 45 minutes or just until dry. Cool slightly, then peel the paper from the cookies. Let cool completely on a wire rack, then store, covered, at room temperature until it’s “sweeping time.”