from oven; let cool on baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container.

Nutritional information per cookie:

Calories 116 (31% from fat) • carb. 19g • pro. 1g • fat 15g • sat. fat 2g • chol. 13mg • sod. 72mg • calc. 5mg • fiber 0g

Meringue Kisses

Light as a cloud, these little kisses are just the thing when the sweet tooth bites.

Preparation: 15 – 20 minutes, plus baking and resting times. Makes 36

2 tablespoons butter, melted

4tablespoons powdered sugar

4large egg whites

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 cup granulated sugar

(superfine is best)

1teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

2ounces chopped semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (1/8–inch chop)

Preheat oven to 225° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Brush the parchment lightly with the melted butter, then dust with powdered sugar, shaking off excess sugar.

Place the egg whites and cream of tar- tar in a medium mixing bowl. Use the chef’s whisk, and start mixing the egg whites and cream of tartar on speed 1, increasing gently to speed 7. Whip until

soft peaks form, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes (depending on temperature of egg whites). Sprinkle sugar 1 tablespoon at a time over egg whites and beat on speed 6 after each addition, until stiff peaks form and mixture is shiny but not dry, about 4 minutes total. Add the vanilla and beat on speed 1 to blend in, 10 seconds.

Using a clean rubber spatula, fold in chopped chocolate. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, or gently place meringue mix- ture in a large pastry bag fitted with a 3/8-inch plain tip and pipe out “kisses”. Bake in preheated oven for 1-1/2 hours; do not open. Turn off oven and let kisses sit in warm oven for an additional 1-1/2 hours to dry out. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Nutritional information per “kiss”:

Calories 26 (19 from fat) • carb. 5g • pro. 0g

fat 1g • sat. fat. 0g • chol. 0mg • sod. 8mg

calc. 1mg • fiber 0g

Tip: Meringues are best when made on a dry day.

To make “nests” for mousse:

Draw 3-inch circles on the underside of parchment sheet. Butter and dust with powdered sugar. Pipe concentric circles of meringue into the 3-inch rounds. Pipe another 2 circles on the outermost edge of the meringues. Bake as directed, but increase the baking and resting time to

2 hours. Makes 4.

Raspberry Mascarpone Mousse

For an elegant dessert, serve this raspberry

mousse in stemmed goblets or martini glasses, or spoon into meringue nests.

Preparation: 15 – 20 minutes active time, 30 minutes inactive. Makes 8 - 12 servings

12ounces fresh or frozen raspberries (not in juice)

2/3 cup granulated sugar envelope (1/4 - ounce /1 tablespoon) gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

8ounces mascarpone cheese* 1/4 cup powdered sugar

1-1/4 cups heavy cream

fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish

chocolate cookie crumbs for garnish

Combine the raspberries and granulat- ed sugar in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, about 6 minutes. Stir to dissolve sugar. Using a fine mesh strainer (chinois) set over medium bowl, strain, pressing as much of the liquid as possible, until just the seeds remain. Discard the seeds. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let stand 5 minutes or longer to soften. Stir the softened gelatin into the rasp- berry sauce. Cool until slightly thick- ened, about 30 minutes.

Place the mascarpone and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Beat on speed 3 for 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cooled raspberry mixture using speed 1 until thoroughly

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Cuisinart HTM-7L manual Meringue Kisses, Raspberry Mascarpone Mousse

HTM-7L specifications

The Cuisinart HTM-7L is a versatile hand mixer designed to simplify food preparation in the kitchen. Ideal for baking enthusiasts and casual cooks alike, this mixer comes equipped with a variety of features that enhance convenience and performance.

One of the standout characteristics of the Cuisinart HTM-7L is its powerful motor, which offers up to 7 speeds. This range allows users to mix, whip, and knead with precision, accommodating both delicate ingredients like whipped cream and tougher mixtures like bread dough. The low-speed settings are particularly beneficial for incorporating dry ingredients without creating a mess, while the higher speeds are perfect for achieving fluffy textures and thorough mixing.

The ergonomic design of the HTM-7L is another notable feature, ensuring that it is comfortable to hold and easy to control during use. Its lightweight structure minimizes wrist strain, allowing for extended periods of mixing without fatigue. Additionally, the hand mixer is equipped with a convenient thumb control, which allows users to adjust speeds effortlessly while mixing.

The Cuisinart HTM-7L also includes a variety of attachments that enhance its versatility. The mixer comes with traditional stainless-steel beaters, ideal for whipping and mixing, as well as a set of dough hooks for kneading a range of doughs. These accessories are easily interchangeable, making it simple to switch from one task to another.

One of the key technologies incorporated into this hand mixer is the SmoothStart feature. This innovative technology reduces splatter by gradually increasing the speed, ensuring a clean mixing process. This is particularly advantageous when working with powdered ingredients or liquids.

Cleaning is a breeze with the HTM-7L, as its attachments are dishwasher safe. The sleek design also includes a swivel cord that allows for easy maneuvering during operation, with no tangling or fumbling.

In conclusion, the Cuisinart HTM-7L hand mixer combines power, versatility, and user-friendly design. With its multiple speed settings, ergonomic features, and variety of attachments, it offers an exceptional mixing experience for both novice and experienced cooks. Whether whipping up a batch of cookies or kneading dough for bread, this hand mixer is an essential tool for any kitchen.