Cherry Kisses

From Taste of Home's annual cookies and candies cookbooklet 2007. This light-as-air meringue cookie is made with candied cherries, dried dates, and walnuts. These disappeared from my Christmas tray before the tray even made it out of the kitchen. I'll be making a triple batch for next year.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 72

Ingredients

• 4  egg whites
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped walnuts
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped pitted dates
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped  candied cherry

Directions

1. Place egg whites in a clean mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 Tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and the sugar is dissolved. Fold in the walnuts, dates and cherries, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned and firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.