chocolate soufflé cookies

Yesterday was Communion Sunday at church.  This means that this is the snack day for the kids.  I forgot my son's snack.  Thankfully the associate pastor was able to provide raisins, a nice healthy allergy-free snack.  Unfortunately nothing would compare to the snack that the other children had--cupcakes complete with frosting and sprinkles.  I know life isn't fair, but why not make it a little bit sweeter when I am able?  We left church with a promise that i would make a batch of cookies when we returned home.  I found this recipe while looking through some old Fine Cooking recipes.  I had never seen or heard of such a cookie--it is a cross between a meringue and a crackle.  

This cookie lends itself to variations and adaptations.  One person suggested using crystallized ginger in place of the walnuts.  I immediatly thought of crushed candy cane for a delicious Christmas cookie.  Another idea is to use bourbon and pecans to make a cookie to enjoy with the Derby.  I do know that I will be testing all of these variations at some point because they were that good.