Rosalie Ungar is the author of IN A HEARTBEAT: The Ups & Downs of Life with Atrial Fib. This post was first published on June 10, 2018.
Thirty five years with A-Fib and 10 years without it after an ablation. That’s 45 years of heart arrhythmia fear…more than half of my lifetime. Some of it has been controllable and some not. I’ve tried to follow the rules to be stronger and listen to the experts, the latest research and when in doubt, trust my instincts.
Diet, exercise, body maintenance and knowledge of what is being prescribed have led me to take charge of my own body. Collaborations and partnerships with doctors have given me the courage for my own convictions…one of which is to eat dessert! Not all desserts and not every day. Discipline comes with experience.
Recently I was asked to bring dessert to a small dinner party of friends. My standard ‘bring along’ dessert is meringues. I’m not a great cook, especially of complicated dishes, but quick and easy meringues are not complicated. They draw compliments and the plate of at least 24 for 4, 6 or 8 people is always gone at the end of the meal. Rarely have I indulged with the guests, until now.
One of the guests asked for the recipe whereupon when I gave it to him, he remarked that meringues are a heart healthy dessert…except for the smaller than average amount of sugar. I decided today to give you the recipe too.
MERINGUES:
- Two egg whites in mixing bowl. It’s important that they are at room temperature.
- ¼ tsp cream of tarter
- ¾ cup of sugar (I use a little less)
- Beat with electric mixer until egg whites are stiff
- Add ½ tsp vanilla
- Add one 11 or 12 oz. package of dark chocolate chips
- Line cookie sheet with brown paper (I use 2 cookie sheets and cut up brown paper bags from grocery store).
- Spoon onto cookie sheet. I put 12 to on each cookie sheet.
- Pre-heat oven at 300 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool and remove with spatula.
In damp climates meringue consistency may change from light and fluffy.
These meringues are especially delicious with the last sips of red wine from dinner. Don’t forget that dark chocolate is heart healthy and contains antioxidants. Exercise portion control. One or two is a healthy portion. More than that at one sitting is excessive. Read more about healthy foods IN A HEARTBEAT: The Ups & Downs of Life with Atrial Fib, a memoir. Click here.
