Chocolate Lady Fingers

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375.
2. 2
   Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form.
3. 3
   Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff.
4. 4
   In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks, vanilla and remaining 1/2 cup sugar until thick.
5. 5
   Stir in flour, cocoa, using a rubber spatula.
6. 6
   GENTLY fold egg whites into flour mixture.
7. 7
   Fill a pastry bag with a plain open tip with cookie batter.
8. 8
   Pipe batter onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, making 3 inch ladyfingers.
9. 9
   Space cookies 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.
10. 10
    Bake immediately for 10- 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
11. 11
    Remove cookie sheet from oven.
12. 12
    Cool cookies on parchment paper.
13. 13
    When cool, use a metal spatula to carefully remove ladyfingers from the parchment.
14. 14
    Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to retain softness.