Wasp Nest Cookies

Found this recipe tucked inside a cookbook I picked up at a yard sale many years ago. You will need a candy thermometer for this.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 8 dozen

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 2  cups  almonds, slivered
• 8  ounces  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3  egg whites (room temperature)
• 2  cups icing sugar, sifted

Directions

1. Prepare cookie sheets by greasing and flouring; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 300F/150°C.
3. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook until mixture reaches thread stage (230F/110C). Remove from heat.
4. Stir in almonds and chocolate chips using a wooden spoon.
5. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Gradually add icing sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until well blended.
7. Add almond and chocolate mixture and stir well.
8. Drop by half teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cookies are very dry.
10. Let stand 10 minutes.
11. Transfer to wire racks to cook completely.