Chestnut Meringues

Directions

1. 1
   Grease several baking sheets; line with parchment or waxed paper.
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 275 F (135 C).
3. 3
   In a very clean grease-free bowl, beat egg whites until very stiff, but not dry.
4. 4
   Add 1/2 tablespoon of the 1/2 cup sugar; beat until sugar is incorporated and meringue is stiff and shiny.
5. 5
   Add remaining sugar, a little at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. 6
   Beat in vanilla.
7. 7
   Carefully fold in chopped marrons glaces.
8. 8
   Using two small teaspoons, spoon small oval shapes of mixture onto prepared baking sheets.
9. 9
   Lightly sprinkle remaining 2 teaspoons sugar over meringues.
10. 10
    Bake meringues 1 1/4 hours or until crisp and dry on outside, but soft in the center; cool.
11. 11
    Sift hot chocolate mix lightly over each meringue.
12. 12
    Remove meringues from paper.