Spumetti (Chocolate-Hazelnut Meringues)

This is a traditional Christmas sweet from Italy. Posted in response to request

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1  lb hazelnuts, meats coarsely chopped
• 1  lb confectioners' sugar
• 1  ounce  cocoa (2 Tbs)
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 5 -6  egg whites

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
2. Cut baking pan liner paper or brown paper to fit 2 baking sheets and grease lightly.
3. Put hazelnuts, confectioner's sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon in a large bowl; add egg whites and mix well until mixture is well blended: about 5 minutes.
4. Wet hands with water and break off small pieces of mixture (about 1 Tbs) and shape into round balls.
5. Place on baking sheets, 1" apart, and bake for approximately 30 minutes.