Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Meringue Nests

• 1 recipe Meringues, (as follows)
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 c granulated sugar
• 1 (12-oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 recipe Chocolate Sauce, (as follows)
• 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
• 1 (12-oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tblsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 3 c fresh fruit

Directions:

For Meringues:

Preheat oven to 300º F. Lightly grease baking sheets.

Beat egg whites, salt and cream of tartar in large mixer bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar; beat until sugar is dissolved. Gently fold in morsels. Spread meringue into ten 3-inch nests with deep wells about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 35 to 45 mins or until meringues are dry and crisp. Cool on baking sheets for 5 mins; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For Chocolate Sauce:

Heat evaporated milk to boiling in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Stir in chips. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is slightly thickened and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in sugar, vanilla extract and salt.

Drizzle meringues with Chocolate Sauce and fill with fruit (whole blackberries, blueberries or raspberries, sliced kiwi, peaches or strawberries); serve immediately.

Serves 10