Have you ever spent a hearty sum of money on something… and then didn’t want to use it because it was so expensive?
I sometimes feel that way about my couch. Ok… I didn’t spend a ton of money on my couch… but, well… it felt like a lot of money at the time. As a result, I feel like the couch must be treated with the proper respect. God forbid someone should try and jump on it. Heck.. if someone sits down on it too hard (is that really even possible) I look at them sideways.
And don’t even get me started on the cat. He has nooooo respect. Probably because he has noooo concept of what money is.
My couch isn’t fancy. But… I feel like the very fact that I have a couch puts me on the fancier side of fancy. I spent a lot of years without a couch.
Don’t sit down to hard on my couch… that’s all I ask. Oh! and if you’re going to park your rear end for a prolonged amount of time, please rotate seat spots. You’re mushing my cushions. Nevermind that it’s a couch made for sitting and mushing. I’m unreasonable. I know. I truly am.
I feel like these cookies echo my fancy couch sentiments.
See… they have fancy ingredients in them. Cocoa nibs and vanilla beans deserve some respect. When these two ingredients meet in a cookie, the cookie should be held in the highest esteem… even if it’s just a light, puff-of-air meringue.
Treating yourself is important. Treating yourself to a couch, and then acting unreasonably about its use might be silly. But splurging of some crunchy cocoa nibs and baking them into cookies is a slightly easier treat. And your cat won’t scratch cocoa nibs.
These meringues were inspired by Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. Tartine is one of the best bakeries in the land. They’re people that do things right. It is a dream. Tartine has cocoa nib studded meringues that are perfect. You’ll want to order two… and you should… but you’ll probably only be able to eat one. Trust me.
Meringues require eggs. The brown yolk-y kind… not necessarily the wood or marble type, even though they’re pretty.
These cookies are so simple… but they have some really lovely splurge ingredients in them .
Cocoa Nibs add a crunchy, chocolate and coffee flavor. Vanilla Beans add that beautifully irresistible fragrance.
They’re special baking items… and totally worth the splurge.
I always want to swim in glossy, unbaked meringue. It’s like thick marshmallow cream.
Easily dollop with a big soup spoon. Keep it easy in the kitchen.
The parchment paper is a complete must. Parchment paper might seem like another splurge item… but it’s important. It’s not like foil. It’s only like parchment paper. There is no substitute.
Take a bite while the cookies are still on the baking sheet.
You know why? Because you’re grown. You made grown cookies. There’s no butter in them. And you you you are living a good life. Bite!
Eat off the baking tray… but please don’t forget to make things beautiful. Beautiful things always make me feel better. And! Since we’ve splurged on such lovely ingredients… we really should take out a pretty plate and brew a nice pot of coffee.
These cookies are light but crunchy. The centers are simultaneously hallow and chewy. They are a combination of delicate and rustic. Have them with hot coffee, red wine, or in bed with a glass of cold orange juice. It’s your world… and it’s a beautiful one.
Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Nib Meringues
makes 12 cookies
adapted from Food and Wine
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 vanilla bean, split and scrapped of seeds (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa nibs
Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and vanilla bean scrapings with the back of a spoon. Press the vanilla bean scrapings into the sugar until well distributed and fragrant. Set aside.
Clean and dry the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add egg whites and beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add pinch of salt and cream of tartar. Increase speed to medium high and beat to soft peaks. The egg whites will be white and foamy, with large but tight bubbles.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, increasing the mixer speed to high. Beat for about 3 minutes on high speed, until stiff, glossy peaks form. Egg whites will be spoonable, but keep their shape when dolloped onto a baking sheet. Once thick, remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in cocoa nibs and vanilla extract (if you didn’t use vanilla bean).
On prepared baking sheet, dollop out egg white mixture by the two tablespoonful. Space about 1-inch apart, although the meringues won’t spread as they bake. Place in the oven and allow to cook for 60 to 70 minutes. Meringues will brown sightly on the top and feel hollow to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Remove from the parchment and serve with coffee or mint tea.
Meringues will last, in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 3 days.
Liz's Pantry
We love the parchment paper advice. It REALLY is a complete must. Can I ask do you have a favorite brand of vanilla flavorings? whether its paste, extract or bean, do you seek out a particular maker?
joythebaker
King Arthur has some great vanilla extract and beans. I do love making my own vanilla though as much as possible!
Jerrelle | Chocolate For Basil
Meringues are certainly a labor of love. Beautiful! :)
Jojo
I just discovered these at Tartine this past weekend on my most recent visit to SF. I think they are my favorite thing ever! I had to make a special trip back before leaving to stock up and bring home a box full with me. I am so glad to have found this recipe so that I can get my fix between visits to SF. Thanks!
sarah
These turned out so well! I didn’t have cacao nibs, so I used finely chopped bittersweet chocolate instead. I also folded in 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts with the chocolate. Delicious!
Freya
Make lemon curd!http://americanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/lemcurd.htm (half this recipe) or home made mayonnaise!
these look amazing, I don’t even know where I would buy cocoa nibs but I would love to get them and then make these!
withinseason
What do you all do with the yolks leftover from this?
Oma
12 cookies? weird. ive made meringues before with 2 egg whites and it came out to be around 30-something cookies…
Lydia Joy
So I started making these tonight around 11, so I could bring them to work tomorrow. They were all beautifully mixed, plopped on the pan, and in the oven. Then I read “bake them for 60-70 minutes.” Oh no! I really need to read through recipes before I make them!
SO worth it though — they’re amazing.
Natalie Hart
Made these last night with chopped dark chocolate chips because I couldn’t find the nibs, and they were phenomenal! Raves from everyone, kids to adults. Thanks for such great recipes and such wonderful writing. I can’t wait to check out your cookbook.
Eva @ Not your mama's dinner
That looks damn’ delicious, girl. Gonna try it out real soon. Digging the imperfect, eclectic look over here.
laura k
I have yet to buy and use cocoa nibs, but you’ve given me a reason. Actually, it was the picture of the unbaked meringues in the mixing bowl that did me in. It also made me want to go buy a jar of Marshmallow Fluff and maybe stir in some cocoa nibs.
christina @ ovenadventures
they are so pretty and VERY fancy, that’s for sure. I love your plates. You always have the best props.
Divya
Is it ok if I dint use cream of tartar in the recipe? Or is there a substitute for cream of tartar? I dont get it here.
joythebaker
Cream of tartar is essential, it binds the egg whites and helps them keep their peaks.
Kim @ Bluebirds and Butterflies
Hi Joy,
I have a white sofa with gold trim downstairs at my home. It is my
“formal” furniture. I have had three dogs since I bought the antique white/gold trim couch and chairs when I lived in Houston. I never let my dogs on this couch until my current Maltese, Sadie. She was persistent and continue to hop on the couch to relax even though I kept telling her “no” and making her get down. I guess I got soft. I let her lay on the sofa. I figured, “well, if she is clean and just relaxes there, what does it really hurt?” So, when I would come home and find her on the sofa in the “formal living room,” I would just ignore it. Until one day………I walked into the room and found a little hole in the arm of one of my chairs. Yes. She had started doing a little digging thing like dogs do sometimes on the arm of the chair and must have gotton a nail caught or something. Anyway, it caused a small hole in the stuffing of the arm….some of the fabric was gone and a bit of the stuffing from that one spot. When I saw it, I had an out of body experience as I am sure you can relate to by what you have posted about your sofa. So…….end of her getting on my couch. I started turning the pillows up when I would leave so that she would not hop up there. She had a good thing and blew it you might say for herself. So………keep listening to that inner self that says…..”this is very special to me” and protect it. Keep looking sideways at people…..let them think what they may……protect your couch. I now have to recover my chair. Furniture is to be sat on and enjoyed but…..there is nothing wrong with taking care of things. I can remember being a child and not being allowed in the living room. My sister, brother and I had to hang out in the den. Brings to mind the olden days of “parlors” which were for meeting company. Any hoo…….on to the cocoa nibs. I saw some over at Central Market in my area of WA State. I discovered Cocoa Nibs are not cheap…….I am going to look at the site you gave earlier and compare prices. But……I will say……my Dad always said, “It only costs a little more to go first class” so sometimes you have to say….it is okay to be fancy. It is okay to protect your sofa. I think the thing is to appreciate quality. Those who appreciate quality will just naturally treat your sofa with respect. And……they will appreciate and value the delicious recipe you post today. Thank you!
Archer
Loved the intertwined couch story. Love this cookie idea. And, they are archerfriendly as far as food allergens go! Maybe I’ll make them as a sugar treat for a gathering…then I wouldn’t eat all of them by myself.
Mary's Pastry Lab
i remember making this back at the place I worked at… we used the most expensive chocolate available in our storeroom and made this. total GOOD TIMES! :)
Bailey W.
I want to make these. And then bathe in them. Yup.
tracy
i’m working on 52 cookies over 52 weeks. adding this one to the to do list! yum!
Prairie Cat
So. I always just thought that cocoa nibs were just some sort of crushed up chocolate chip that was given a fancy name to get more money out of me.
But I now realize how wrong I was. And that I need to buy some and make this. Now.
If buying these nibs means I cannot pay my rent, I am letting you know that I am sleeping on your fancy couch. It’s okay, I have fancy pajamas.
Kelly@frugalfoodiefamily
It’s so great to splurge on fantastic things every now and then! Love the pics and where in the world do you find all your adorable plates, napkins, etc? Have you done a post on that?
K
Christy
Looks lovely! Have been on a meringue kick as of recent…. will definitely give these a go!
Betsy
Lovely post Joy! I like your sentiments about the world and beauty, and taking time to enjoy nice things. I hope all is well!
Brittany
I swear, EVERY word you said about the couch has gone through my mind at some point, but I’ve tried not to say too much of it out loud lest my husband think I’m insane. It’s our first couch that wasn’t handed down, but PURCHASED. I’ve never spent so much money on a single item! Suddenly our dog seemed… unfit for couch cuddling.
Maybe if I get some of these delicious looking meringues in my life I can calm down a bit about the couch. Maybe.
Anne
Okay, now I’m curious about your couch…
abby
I love making meringues! Sometimes I make a recipe that only calls for yolks just so I can make meringues after.
Jjanga
Why must you tempt me with such deliciousness? If only a resteraunt around here knew how to cook like you do, I’d be there everyday!
xoxo, Jjanga
http://www.sayhelloandsmile.blogspot.com
Sue from Pleasanton
Your blog today brought two lovely memories to mind. First, when I was a little girl my Mom made chocolate meringue cookies. Your putting cocoa nibs and vanilla bean in yours is such a great idea! Second, many years ago when I bought a really inexpensive leather sofa and loveseat, my friends all got excited if their kids let their shoes touch them. Like a kid that short could sit on a sofa without having the feet (in shoes) on the sofa! I’d ask, “What lasts longer, canvas sneakers or leather shoes?” They’d get the point. That leather sofa and loveseat lasted 25 years! Some things are not meant to last–like your meringue cookies!
Emily D
I want my blog to grow up to be like yours one day. You are my biggest food blogging inspiration.
Also, I can’t wait to stuff myself with your meringues!!
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
Now I have to go out and buy me some nibs – never had them.
“You’re mushing my cushions.” LOL Oh, I so saw my self being that way when I was younger, but after 3 kids and all the things they do to a couch, I just. gave. up.
One day I’ll have another nice couch. But wait, then it’ll be grandkids…
Vee
You bet I’ve splurged on things and then not wanted to use them. The first time I bought vanilla beans – at the ripe old age of 15 – yep, while other girls stressed about getting dates to the dance, I stressed about expanding my culinary repertoire – and I mean, a big pack of vanilla beans, on discount, fresh from a plantation, I was too scared to waste them on anything. They gradually made their way into ice cream and rhubarb compotes over the next two years.
Katie
Joy, this is totally unrelated, sorry.
But where is the recipe for your oatmeal raspberry scones?
The link isn’t working anymore and I was told to try them.
Katie
Perf. I’ve got a schwack of eggwhites in my freezer leftover from my adventures in eggnog. I’ll just have to hunt down some cocoa nibs and I’m good to go!
Becca- Cookie Jar Treats
These meringues look so adorable and antastic. I’ve never used vanilla bean or coacoa nibs, but I want to! I justneed to find a place that sells them, and when I do, I will make these and eat them off the tray with a cup of chocolate milk because I don’t like coffee and chocolate milk is good :)
culinarystorm
How beautiful Joy!
The look and sound fancy :)
Kellybeth
1. You have such a cheerful way about you. Your site always brightens my day.
2. I spent this weekend with three cats, one of whom was a purr factory, one of whom was a ham, and one of whom hid in the basement because she’s afraid of people. And other cats. I thought of you.
3. You need to make these peanut butter ginger muffins from the kitchn. They’re vegan and tasty and nutritious and amazing, and made me feel virtous even though I ate five of them in about an hour. http://www.thekitchn.com/peanut-butter-ginger-muffins-f-139757
Seriously, they seem right up your alley.
Much love,
Kellybeth
Cupcake Kat
Looks so good! I love this quote “It’s your world… and it’s a beautiful one”
Anna @ the shady pine
My cat just looks at me like it’s her couch to start with and I’m sure she’s thinking how dare I partake in it’s comfort :) I do believe in treating yourself though so maybe I need to adopt more of a cat attitude where it’s just expected.
Lexi @ Cura Personalis Foodie
Oh my, I think you may have unknowingly invented these with my tastebuds in minds1
Kristin @ FoodFash
I love that meringues look so delicately difficult to make, but are sooooo simple. I’ll have to test this recipe on my new neighbors when I move next month!
sarah
Hey Joy! Just wanted to let you know that I made some brown-sugar-bacon-ice-cream today, and I totally thought of you and your love for bacon : )
Living The Sweet Life
I know what you mean about spending a lot on something and then not wanting to use it. I do that pretty often with clothes – – convincing myself that I should wear it something special. What ends up happening, is I buy something else and then never actually end up wearing the super expensive piece :(
These are totally fancy-pants meringues!! And they are so pretty.
CulinarilyCourtney
You are right when you say there is no substitute for parchment paper…in my humble baker beginnings I once tried to avoid a trip to the grocery store and use wax paper, not thinking that candles are also made of wax, and that when heat is applied to them, they melt. haha!
These cookies look sophisticated and tasty, a win win!
Maureen
These look so beautiful and grown up and perfect for a cup of tea with a good friend. Definitely going to make them myself.
anne
I’m obsessed with meringues so I buy those “cheater” cartons of egg whites and use them. Whip ’em up in no time and sprinkle them with all sorts of things (choc, almonds, shiny pearly silver ball things). As an added benefit I hear they’re low-cal. Thanks for this!
EB
Is it ok if I skip baking these and walk to Tartine to get some, cuz… it’s on my way home from work?And that just really doesn’t suck.
Ellen
Oh geez I feel you on the couch thing. I throw a sheet over it if I’m having a party cause if someone spilled on it…tragic.
On an up note, the meringues look delightful. I may just have to splurge on some beans n nibs for them:)
lidia
tempting me with these >.<
wish i had fancy ingredients like coco nibs and vanilla beans, sigh…
Cookie and Kate
Those meringues look dreamy, Joy!
TeenyLittleSuperChef
Oh yeah! I love me some meringues. And not just because they’re so light and airy and I can convince myself that because of that, I can eat a whole batch of them without it really counting calorie-wise. I love how versatile they can be and pretty much always end up being tasty. Thanks for the great recipe! I’ve been debating whether to break down and buy some vanilla beans instead of relying solely on extract, so I think you’ve finally convinced to just go ahead and buy the dang things.
Lauren
These look delicious, I will definitely have to try them out!
Krissy @ Krissy's Creations
Beautiful meringues Joy!
Erin
Perfect! I have been on a lemon curd making kick and was wondering what to do with all of those egg whites. Thanks!
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
I live in a pretty small town and dream of the day I can visit a bakery like Tartine! For now I’ll have to try make my own treats. I think swimming in that meringue would complete your dream of being like Nigella Lawson covered in chocolate. You should totally do it! Book promo!
Mellybrown
These look lovely, but alas, splurge meringues are destined to fail in moist/wet northwest Washington. I’ll dream of yours instead.
Pure2raw twin
my older sister loves meringue and cacao nibs so I will have to show her these! she will love them!
Mallory
Oh my I laughed at that couch bit! My mom never lets me sit on the couch in her living room and I never before understood why…this may have provided me the reason haha! Or maybe it’s because I might get meringue crumbs all over it…
Jenna
Meringue is one of those things that looks so good I want it, but then I take a bite and am really “meh” about it.
Caroline @ Pink Basil
I LOVE meringues, especially chocolate chip so this looks like a great spin on my favorite cookie! my husband hates them unfortunately but that’ll just mean more for me :)
Christina
These look delicious! Can’t wait to bake. Also, LOVED your feature in Food and Wine this month!
Melody (Redhead in the Kitchen)
I vote on making this health food via sweetening with Truvia instead of sugar. And since this adjustment will make me cry inside a little, I’ll save the vanilla bean for when I’m eating sugar and add a little peppermint oil to make it all nice and favorite-ice cream-flavor-ish. Do you think the meringues will still work?
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Wow, your such a couch officer, but in a good way. I believe if you take care of things then they last longer, it’s a no-brainer :) I dont think these meringues would last long though, not with those amazing ingredients floating around in meringueville..
Take care.
Gen
They remind me of when I was a kid!
Brian @ A Thought For Food
Anything that is inspired by Tartine bakery is going to be amazing. These meringue cookies look delightful. Lovely Joy!
Sarah R
Yes Yes Yes! I’ve been plotting to make banana pudding (I’ve been on a mission to find a recipe that uses bananas IN the pudding instead of layered with Nilla wafers) which will leave me with some leftover egg whites, plus I have some cocoa nibs awaiting their purpose in life. Plus, my grandmother always made meringues (she made one big mega meringue & called it Schaum torte) and I’ve always wanted to have a go at it.
joythebaker
this is the perfect recipe for you! the starts have totally aligned!
Alyssa Goodnight
“You’re grown. You made grown cookies.” :D Love it! That’s exactly how I feel. Sometimes I don’t bother with the plate though…
joythebaker
only on a fancy night do you need the plate.
Alexis
fact: it so easy to spend $20 here, $20 there (examples…lipstick? cute socks? totally necessary/unnecessary “just beause” flowers?).
fact: when it comes to splurging (say on…a couch, a le cruset dutch oven, spendy vanilla beans, etc.) we are riddled with mild heart attacks/fierce guilt pangs.
i think this must be part of growing up.
but these meringues do look tempting. i’m thinking i may buy my first vanilla bean in order to replicate them.
you know, baby steps.
x
joythebaker
it’s like you’re speaking from my heart!
ann p.
This recipe is so perfect! I love San Francisco, I love Tartine Bakery, meringues are one of my favorite cookies, and I’ve been needing to find a use for the cocoa nibs I bought when I was in SF! Talk about destiny! These cookies were meant for me :) They’re so light and airy, I could eat all of the 12 in a day. :)
joythebaker
i almost ate all twelve yesterday. that’s the truth. i have three left. no comment.
Rachelle
I’d make these (they look delicious) but meringues are the one thing that always kick my butt.
joythebaker
practice makes perfect??
Casey @ The Baker Bee
I need these in my mouth. Like, yesterday.
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
I just love your outlook on life. It is a beautiful world, and sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of that. Plus, I think every day should be a pretty plate day!
PS. These look absolutely lovely.
joythebaker
pretty plate everyday! that’s a perfect resolution!
Mary @ Bake Break
I’m salivating over here… those look yummy! Vanilla beans are my new favorite thing to play around with too – they just smell SO good!!
Becca @ Cook, Rejoice, Repeat
Ooh, lovely! I’m getting the feeling that you’ve been on a cocoa nib kick lately. I’m also getting the feeling that it’s contagious. Thanks muchly! I can’t wait to try these.
Sheena S.
Yes! I’ve been meaning to try nib meringues forever! Maybe your post will be the kick in the pants that I need to get on it.
Heidi @ Food Doodles
Oooh, how pretty are these! I love meringues and this sounds like an awesome flavor combo :D
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
Few things in this world make me happier than meringues. Vanilla beans and cocoa nibs are some of those things. So you can only imagine my complete excitement with the prospect of making these little treats. Yum yum yum!
ashley mac
love your photos! also love those alphabet napkins! where did you get those?
joythebaker
the napkins are from PickingDaisiesinSLO.com
Brhea Koneman
You really had me laughing here. I am the exact same way about my couch especially the pillows. My husband gets mad at me on a nightly basis because there is one pillow in particular that he is not supposed to touch. He should know this.
Thanks for sharing this recipe :) and your funny story!
joythebaker
i’m so glad i’m not the only couch crazy!
Rachel @ Bakerita
My Schaffer Bergen Cocoa Nibs have been sitting in a prestigious location in my cabinet for quite some time now…these seem like the perfect reason to break them out. Yummy!! Can’t wait to take a bite of these beauties.
Kelsey @aslolife
I know I’ll totally feel like that when I have a grown-up couch someday. I really need to try baking with vanilla beans someday, they always sound so wonderful!
missy
I’ve got these in the oven right now!! Since I have an obsession with chocolate and raspberry, instead of vanilla bean I used raspberry extract. If they taste anything like they smell we are in for a delicious treat :)
Thanks for the post!!
joythebaker
sounds groovy!
MegsieMay
Oh my. Those look delightful. I definitely need to spend more time creating new meringue flavors… yum!
angela
i bought a couch this summer and its more money than i thought i would EVER spend on a piece of furniture and worth more than my car :) i still wont eat while sitting on it, but the dog has found his spot after 6 months of me telling him to get off.
And i must buy cocao nibs after seeing a few recipes online lately using them.
joythebaker
doggies are persistent, comfort craving creatures.
jenny
I bought a pair of ridiculously expensive Frye boots and I have worn them twice because I am so scared of ruining them. True story, and it’s sad. I also freak out when anyone sits on my bedspread. That thing cost me more money than a bedspread should, more than the bed…
I love meringues, mostly because you can eat like 50 and not feel bad about it in the LEAST, not like wearing expensive shoes or sitting on expensive couches… heaven forbid, with SHOES ON. Ah.
joythebaker
no shoes (even expensive ones!!!) on the couch!!!
Chrissy @ My Fare Foodie
Look beautiful and safe enough to eat whilst seated on your fancy pants couch.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
I love cookies on a pretty plate. I can imagine how your kitchen must’ve smelled while these were baking!
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles
I need to try making meringues immediately!!
Jessica @ The Desert Abode
These look so light and airy! Serving special cookies with a proper pot of tea always makes me feel fancy. :)
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
These look so perfect – I love the vanilla bean addition!
CheekyChic
I try and be fancy but I have five people I do dishes for. Most of the time I eat my cookies leaning over the kitchen sink. I’m cool with that. My couch on the other hand….when we got it five years ago my husband told me to get a grip and relax, a couch is made for sitting. You know what….my couch looks horrible now!
Snugs
I love baking recipes that are straightforward, and especially ones that have cocoa. I will even go out to buy cream of tartar for this because…it looks worth it. But I couldn’t find any parchment paper in Fairway when I went looking. Fairway! That big store in New York that claims it has everything! Would using wax paper instead of parchment paper spoil it? At least, it’s not tin foil.
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Claudia from Idiot's Kitchen
These just might change my mind about meringues! Anything with cocoa nibs has to be good.
Rebecca@A Dusting of Sugar
I understand everything in this post! You can totally break a couch. My little brother’s er, larger friend sat down really hard on the futon upstairs and honestly, the metal frame is bent out of shape, permanently. And I definitely save my vanilla beans for special occasions. I consider this meringues a special occasion.
Sarah
I plan to get sick tomorrow and ask someone to make these for me. I plan to make it a dying disease. Like a stuffy nose.
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday
What’s the key to getting the meringues crispy instead of stick-to-your-teeth chewy?
Carly
Not sure where that extra “4.” came from. :)
Carly
1. I read with my kids on our living room couch every day. I move us around to ensure that we don’t leave permanent indents in the cushions of our good couches. Ridiculous. I know.
2. We bought a super-fancy barbecue this fall. My husband wouldn’t let me use it for two weeks because it was so beautiful and shiny. It killed him (and me just a little) when I put barbecue sauce on the juicy burgers and made a big, delicious mess all over the inside of it.
3. I just discovered that Bulk Barn (the bulk food store by my house) has cocoa nibs and I’ve been wanting to buy some. I’ve also always wanted an excuse to buy vanilla beans. I make meringues all the time, as they’re a great dessert for my gluten-free friends. I’ll be trying these out for our brunch on Sunday to welcome our friend’s new baby boy. (I’ll be keeping an eye on everybody at the brunch to make sure my couches stay clean.)
4. Thanks, as always, for being awesome, Joy. You make me smile.
4.
Carly
I just went to buy cocoa nibs. They were coated in chocolate! Aargh!
joythebaker
that is so unnecessary!
Carly
It completely defeats the purpose!
Ryan
Joy, your blog is always so pretty and calming. You’re the reason I went out and bought an obsene amount of pretty plates from the thrift store. I have the same issue with those plates as you do with your couch, they can only be used on special occasions and you have to be VERY careful with them… none of my family uses them for fear of breaking them haha.
These cookies look absolutely wonderful. I’ve only made meringues once, but definitely need to try them again.
joythebaker
i’m so glad you understand me!
Lisa
You really need to spill something on your couch or else you might turn into one of those people who have plastic covers and rarely allow people to sit on it! It’s a couch, kind of like a chair meant to be sat/laid on and ooh one day upgraded!
joythebaker
you’re totally right. i know you are..
Rachael B
“The parchment paper is a complete must. Parchment paper might seem like another splurge item… but it’s important. It’s not like foil. It’s only like parchment paper. There is no substitute.” AMEN! I’ve tried convincing my husband of this for years. I send him to get me parchment paper and he returns with wax – which by most means works – but seriously… sometimes parchment paper is the only solution.
Amanda
Swimming in meringue batter sounds too fabulous. I was telling a friend yesterday how I want to sit in a bathtub of marshmallows and drink champagne. Now I want to do that with a plate of these cookies too!
Abby
I can’t bring myself to buy vanilla beans yet…I cringe at the price, I know I know worth it. These look delish.
Abby
Maybe a checker will “give” me some for free ;)
Rachelle
New Seasons sells them for a dollar a piece…..if there is one near you.
Jen~
But you didn’t show your couch! I was SO looking forward to your couch! If I promise to make the cookies will you share your couch? I’ll be gentle. heehee
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
This is simple + delicious. My kind of recipe, Joy! …..I can’t wait to try these out with some of my cocoa nibs around the house! Now I’ve just got to get my hands on some vanilla beans!
Sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau
I am utterly transfixed by that first picture. I’d like to live under that crisp shell and nap on that pillowy interior.
Julie
I have a bag of cacao nibs in my pantry that is feeling sad and neglected. I NEED to make these!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
every time i read your blog i end up saying that i NEED cocoa nibs…and i DO need them! why haven’t i found them yet?!
must change this today!
Louise
Oh my. Those meringues … divine. And no butter, no egg yolks, and dark chocolate! Practically health food!
My grandmother used to say “Don’t pop the cushions!” whenever anyone would sit too enthusiastically on one of the couches (she also used to call the couch the “davenport”, which I had no idea was archaic until I was an adult, and which now I like to use just to see people’s blank expressions). Even though my couch now has cushions that are supposedly unsquishable (only in theory, sadly), I still find myself yelping “Don’t pop the cushions!” whenever my husband flings himself down on it. Poor guy.
Rachelle
My grandparents call it a Davenport too. This post makes me suuuper happy :)
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
These look too delicate to eat! Lovely.
Caz
I’m not yet fancy enough to own a couch, I inherited a sad old moth eaten one but its probably just as well, my husband spills cookie crumbs everywhere! Great to see a gluten free recipe, perfect for me. Thanks Joy x
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I’m really stingy when it comes to using vanilla bean but these look worth it.
Amanda Bimble
I so need to get on this cocoa nib bandwagon. I feel I’m missing out. This is definitely the treat needed after a some super hot days. Nice and light and crunchy and AWESOME!
autumn
Still couchless, but if I’ve got some good vanilla beans I’m set for life. Thanks, for another great (and gluten-free) recipe Joy!
Lea @GourmetMommy
I feel that way about my fancy wine glasses. I hardly use them with company for fear we’ll break them. And we rarely drink wine fancy enough to warrant fancy glasses. So sometimes when I’m feeling really rebellious, I’ll put cheap Chardonnay in a fancy glass to watch Pan Am and eat popcorn. Then I feel guilty. Probably more for watching Pan Am than anything else. But next time I’ll make cocoa nib cookies and won’t feel guilty about anything.
joythebaker
hahahhaaa! enjoy that cheap wine from the fancy glass! we must live!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
Pretty things totally matter in life; so true about the pretty plates and a nice pot of coffee. I agree. Plus, food tastes better when you eat it off something pretty.
And if someone were to plop too hard on my couch, spill crumbs or coffee on it, or just not treat it with the respect that I felt it due, I would totally give them the evil eye! Glad you have a couch you love and that you’re a little protective of it…that’s cute :)
And so are the cookies!
Jessica Ann
These look so beautiful, and I LOVE that plate, is it another Anthropologie find? I love my couch but it is old and wrecked and came with my rented flat. I am not yet fancy enough to own my own couch.
leaf (the indolent cook)
Classic and beautiful flavours with good quality ingredients. Can’t go wrong with that!
Blog is the New Black
Looks terrific… someday I will master meringues! ;)
delaney @ heartbreakpie
I also want to swim in glossy, unbaked meringue. SO GOOD. simple and delicious as always Joy!
Kathryn
I feel exactly the same about my couch – ideally I’d make my boyfriend sit in a different position every day. He is less keen on that idea. These cookies are pretty special though, I love the little crunch of cocoa nibs – I have a packet in my pantry at the moment so I may have to crack them out for this! Thanks Joy!