4 large egg whites,

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

3 tbsp. instant regular or decaf coffee (granules)

1 tsp vanilla extract

36 whole coffee beans (optional)

t tsp unsweetened cocoa (optional)

chocolate chips for topping (optional)

Place oven racks into thirds.

Preheat oven to 250⁰ F.

Using mixer on high, beat egg whites and salt until foamy.

Add sugar one tbsp at a time beating until stiff peaks form

Stir in rest of sugar, coffee, and vanilla

Cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or waxed paper. (using masking tape to attach to baking sheet)

Drop tablespoons of batter onto baking sheets.

Top with coffee bean or chocolate chip

Sprinkle with cocoa (optional)

Bake at 250⁰ F. for 2 hours or until dry.

Turn oven off and partially leave oven door opem

Leave meringues in oven for another hour

Remove from oven and carefully remove from paper.

Cool completely on oven racks.