12 Days of Cookies 2008 - Day 1

[Aymber]

12 Days of Cookies 2008 - Day 1


Alton's Paradise Macaroons

After considerable consideration, Alton has decided to share his recipe for chocolate-covered macaroons. As he puts it, these festive cookies are so fattening, so stickily delicious, so downright wrong that he only dares to indulge in them once a year: during the holidays.
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Watch Alton make his Paradise Macaroons







Cook Time
25 min Level
Intermediate Yield
42 cookies

Ingredients

2 (7 to 8 ounce) packages sweetened shredded coconut
2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Pinch kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large egg whites at room temperature
5 ounces granulated sugar
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ounce vegetable shortening
2 ounces finely chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts

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Directions

Prepare the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the coconut with the sweetened condensed milk, salt and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to whip the whites until medium peaks form, 6 to 7
minutes.

Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined half sheet pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer the parchment with the macaroons to a cooling rack. Cool completely before topping.

Fill a 4-quart pot with enough water to come 2 inches up the side, set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a small metal or glass mixing bowl and set over the simmering pot. Stir occasionally until melted, then remove from the heat.

Dip the cooled cookies in the chocolate mixture, sprinkle with the chopped macadamia nuts and place on parchment paper to set, about 30 minutes.





From Our Food Network Family

[Teresa]

Those would be perfect for a cookie exchange!