Chocolate fudge chewies

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CHEWIES (2 dozen)

• 3 c confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 c plus 2 T cocoa
• 2 T all-purpose flour
• 1 t salt
• 3 large egg whites, room temp

• 1 t vanilla extract
• 2 c pecan pieces [walnuts work, too]

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease the sheet well [or use nonstick sheet]. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, combine sugar, cocoa, flour, and salt; mix well till blended. Beat in egg whites, one by one, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat at high speed for 1 minute. Stir in nuts.

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

Bake on center rack in oven 12-15 minutes or till cookies just begin to crack on top. Cool on rack.

[Isaac maintains they get better with age. Noona couldn't tell the difference and besides, who can resist cookies just out of the oven?? Enjoy!]