Name: Meringue Stars
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 1/2 hr (includes cooling)
Yield: Makes about 7 dozen cookies
Ingredients: 3 large egg whites, at room temperature 30 minutes, divided; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 pinches of cream of tartar, divided; 3/4 cup superfine granulated sugar, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons instant-espresso powder; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 (3 1/2-ounce) bar 70%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, melted; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Equipment: 3 (12-inch) disposable pastry bags; a 1/2-inch star tip

Image may contain Food Star Symbol and Symbol

Meringue StarsRomulo Yanes

These chocolate-dipped stars look beautiful on the table, and their ethereal texture means guests can nibble without filling up. All three flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and coffee—come from one batter.

Cook's notes:

· We used a Wilton 2110/1M star tip for our meringues. An Ateco 885 swirl star tip also works well. · To avoid stickiness, try to bake meringues on a dry day. · Dipped meringues keep, layered between sheets of parchment or wax paper, in an airtight container at cool room temperature 1 week or frozen, container tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, 1 month. Thaw frozen meringues, still in wrapped container, until container reaches room temperature, at least 30 minutes. (Do not unwrap and open container until completely thawed.)

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.