Widow's Kisses

Widow’s Kisses are one of those old European cookie recipes that sound mysterious and taste even better.

Egg whites are beaten over steam with sugar until stiff and glossy, then folded with coarsely ground hazelnuts and tiny dice of candied citron.

Spooned onto thin baking wafers and dried in a low oven, they come out light, crisp, and just sweet enough to pair with strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

The name alone starts a conversation, and the first bite finishes it.

Variations

• Use almonds or pistachios in place of hazelnuts for a different nutty character
• Swap the citron for finely chopped dried apricots or candied orange peel
• Dip the cooled cookies halfway into melted dark chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence

Kitchen Tips

• Beat the egg whites over simmering (not boiling) water; too much heat will cook them instead of whipping them
• Make sure your bowl and whisk are spotlessly clean and grease-free, or the whites won’t hold their peaks
• Low and slow in the oven is the key here; you’re drying them, not baking them