Chocolate Meringue Rocks (DF)

Last week it wasmy man's birthday. We celebrated with a quiet night in together, wine, gnocchi, a dvd and a little present opening, of course. He didn't want to make a fuss. He just wanted to send a little quiet time with me, on the couch.Yep, I love this man - alot. I think I may have mentioned this previously, but sometimes it still surprises me. You see, I've never fallen in love with anyone before, so, I'm taking it with all the thought through naivety I can. But, I am a redhead so can be temperamental at times. I get so angry when he's late, but I'm getting better and I now find it amusing that he calls me to tell me he's on his way home. Yes, that's cool, Ill see you in ten minutes - I only expected you home an hour and a half ago, but that's ok, see you then! Yes, I still love him forall his quirks. Just as I know that I come with my quirks - like being a little anal about being on time. Now, what was that quote about opposites attracting.... yes, and my hair, there are golden red strands that fall out all over the place. He vacuums them up. He loves me. Life goes in circles.

Love does too.

My man's fellow 'plebs' at work often enjoy (or don't enjoy if they're dud a tester!) my baked goods and have been requesting one of my slices for months. A slice that is yet to be posted here, so that link that you're searching for? You won't find it. Not yet. Last week he did tell me I had to do something different as well. One of the new admin gals, Janet, is diabetic. So, this equaled: 

2 Lactose Free.

1 Coeliac.

1 Diabetic.

Yes, I found a recipe that suits all three! (From a diabetic magazine of which I have no idea of the name of as I looked through so many!)

These were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone with the chocolate crunch and of course despite their rather ordinary appearance. No, I couldn't be bothered piping them.Yes, it was 10.17pm in the evening and I still had to wait for them to cook (note cooking time = 1hour 45minutes) Yes, I'd already raced out once for sugar at 8.43pm. Yes, I was tired. No, I wasn't making myself a coffee at 10pm.

Chocolate Rocks (Nutty Meringues): Gluten Free Recipe

2 egg whites

80g castor sugar

30 almond meal

2 tblspn cocoa

Preheat oven to 140Deg Celsius and line a tray with baking paper.

Sift cocoa and add almond meal. Mix and set aside.

Whisk egg whites to form stiff peaks. Gradually add sugar in small batches, whisking continuously until egg whites are stiff and shiny. Add half of the cocoa mix and fold in. Add remaining cocoa and fold.

Pipe large drops or spoon mixture onto baking tray. Bake for 40minutes. Turn oven off and allow to cool in oven for 45-60minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely on cooling rack. Store in an airtight container.