Elf Magic

Dudley the elf is a special little guy and only makes an appearance around this time of year. For those of you who may not know, sweet Dudley flew down to the Nido house a few times during the Christmas season. He is too shy to be around too many humans so he would sneak in after we were fast asleep and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with my Dad. He always left three Christmas treats for me and my sisters and off he would go, back to the North Pole, to finish Christmas preparations. We may be older, but Dudley still flies down on a Reindeer and has graduated to dirty martinis or a nice glass of scotch ;) I can guarantee when MM and I have our own little peanuts someday, Dudley will make some special visits to them, too.

Dudley found his way to the Midwest last night and left us some holiday treats! He usually appears after the tree is decorated but he must have been as excited as we were about the 10 foot beauty we brought home last night that he decided to show up early! I can't imagine what he has up his sleeve after the lights and ornaments go on tonight. A plate of delicious Nighty Night cookies were in the kitchen when we woke up...he was a busy little elf. They sure are sweet but we all know that elves stick to their four main food groups...and they LOVE sugar. He left a few jingle bells in his path to let us know he made a swift visit! I think he even made a little mess in MM's laptop bag.

Nighty Nights

2 egg whites

2/3 cups sugar

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat egg whites until stiff. Slowly incorporate sugar and continue beating until all mixed in a stiff. Fold in chocolate chips. My mom sometimes adds peppermint extract and green food coloring for extra holiday cheer. Drop cookies onto cookie sheet. I used a tablespoon but they are much cuter if you use a smaller spoon for little cookies that make sweet little puffs. Place in preheated oven and turn the oven off. DO NOT PEAK UNTIL MORNING!