The Overnight Special

A soft meringue dessert adapted from a very old recipe.

Difficulty: Average
Make Ahead
Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

• 6 egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
• 1/2 pint heavy cream, whipped

Instructions:

1. About 2 hours before overnight cooking, start preheating the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Combine egg whites with cream of tartar and salt and beat at medium speed until foamy.
3. Gradually add sugar, a little at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add chocolate syrup, and continue beating until stiff glossy peaks are formed.
5. Spread mixture evenly in a 9″ tube pan which has been buttered on the bottom only.
6. Place in oven and turn off heat immediately.
7. Let stand in the oven overnight.
8. To serve, loosen the cake from the edge of the pan with a sharp knife, then frost with whipped cream before slicing.