Instructions: Preheat oven to 275 deg. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Draw eight 3 inch circles on each. Beat whites with lemon juice* and salt until soft peaks form. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time and beat until stiff and shiny. Spoon meringue into pastry bag fitted with no. 5 star tip. Pipe rosettes or stars around circles, leaving space in center. Bake until dry and slightly colored, about 45 minutes. Remove from sheet and cool completely. Remove parchment. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container in dry place.)

Using electric mixer, beat cream with liqueur and coffee to stiff peaks.

Melt chocolate in double boiler over gently simmering water. Using spatula, spread thin layer of chocolate on baking sheet, smoothing back and forth to even. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Using paint scraper or putty knife held at slight angle, push chocolate away from you quickly so chocolate folds into

"ruffles." Repeat for a total of 8 ruffles. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Set 1 meringue on dessert plate. Top with another meringue. Fill center with cream. Repeat with remaining meringues. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Garnish each with chocolate ruffle and 3 chocolate coffee bean candies.

*Can substitute distilled white vinegar.

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