My Grama Elva was the 11th child of Swedish immigrants and hence they named her number eleven in Swedish-Elva! She was a master baker and people loved her homemade cinnamon rolls, caramels, cakes, pies and pastries! She also made meringue cookies and then her recipe was passed down to my mother who made them every Christmas eve while I was growing up. This past weekend we made a quick overnight trip to see mom and dad. We helped them put up the holiday houses and just spent time together. I asked mom if she would once again be a guest on the blog and she agreed! She just had dental surgery so you won’t see her flashing her pretty smile in photos! Thanks Mom love you!

Below is a picture of my Grandmother Elva (far right) and her 6 sisters. Elva was born in 1911. I am estimating this photo was taken around 1930.

Sisters are: Clara, Bea, Grace, Hilda, Verna, Ida and Elva, listed in random order

Ingredients

2 egg whites

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

food coloring optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

Grease a baking sheet (Mom uses butter)

Place egg whites in a mixing bowl. Add cream of tartar, salt, vanilla, beat until soft peaks form.

When whites are starting to form stiff peaks, gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. At this point Mom folds in a drop of food coloring for the holiday season, this is optional. Fold in chocolate chips. She always uses nuts but you can leave them out if you prefer no nuts.

Drop batter by spoonful onto baking sheet.

Place in oven and time for 25 minutes. Remove from oven when done.