Name: Meringue Stars
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 1/2 hr (includes cooling)
Yield: Makes about 7 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 3 large egg whites, at room temperature 30 minutes, divided; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 pinches of cream of tartar, divided; 3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons instant-espresso powder; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 (3 1/2-ounce) bar 70%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, melted; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Equipment: 3 (12-inch) disposable pastry bags; a 1/2-inch star tip

Image may contain Food Star Symbol and Symbol

Meringue StarsRomulo Yanes

These chocolate-dipped stars look beautiful on the table, and their ethereal texture means guests can nibble without filling up. All three flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and coffee—come from one batter.

Cook's notes:

· We used a Wilton 2110/1M star tip for our meringues. An Ateco 885 swirl star tip also works well. · To avoid stickiness, try to bake meringues on a dry day. · Dipped meringues keep, layered between sheets of parchment or wax paper, in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1 week or frozen, container tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, 1 month. Thaw frozen meringues, still in wrapped container, until container reaches room temperature, at least 30 minutes. (Do not unwrap and open container until completely thawed.)

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.