HIGH HATS!

Levi requested cupcakes for his "end of the year party".

I really didn't want to make cupcakes, but I wanted to honor his request(after all, he is the 3rd and does get somewhat neglected).

I found a recipe for "Chocolate covered High Hats" in my Cupcake book by Elinor Klivans.  They looked challenging and I felt like a challenge.

They were a challenge.  The cupcake part was easy.  I have made these before and they are light, not too chocolaty nor too sweet.  However, the meringue on the top was another story.  I was supposed to whip the ingredients(sugar, water, egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla & almond extract), over a double boiler, for 12 minutes until the consistency reached 160*.  I must have stood there, with my hand mixer for at least 25 minutes and couldn't get it to the desired temp.  I kind of gave up which lead to the demise of the project.  

The meringue never quite set and when I dipped them in the chocolate, the filling fell.  

None the less, they were all devoured and everyone, except myself and Eli, raved!  Better luck next time!