Caramel Sponge Kisses

Sponge kisses are a truly Aust/NZ invention .. these are two "crispy" crusted sponge-cakes, akin to ladyfingers or Savoiardi [which are based on Savoy Biscuit or Pastry], sandwiched together with your favourite icing or frosting..

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 kisses

Ingredients

• 125  g sugar
• 150  ml milk, hot
• 125  g butter
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  pinch salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla essence

Directions

1. Caramel:
2. Melt sugar in a saucepan and heat until it is a light coffee colour; cool a little.
3. Add the hot milk and dissolve caramel in it.
4. Kisses:
5. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-8 minutes.
6. Add lukewarm caramel and egg yolks.
7. Beat until combined.
8. Stir in the dry ingredients with a spoon.
9. Lastly fold in stiffly-beaten egg whites.
10. Either pipe [pastry bag] onto lightly greased baking trays or spoon onto trays using rounded teaspoonsful.
11. Bake about 9 - 12 minutes at 190ºC (375ºF).
12. When cold sandwich together -- .