CHOCOLATE ALMOND MACAROONS

2 large egg whites
1 C sugar
6 T sifted cocoa powder
1 1/2 C medium-fine ground, blanched almonds
1/2 t vegetable shortening
4 oz semi sweet chocolate, melted

Pre-heat oven to  325 degrees.  Place eggs in a clean mixing bowl fitted with the whisk attachment.  Beat on high speed until egg whites are stiff.  The add sugar slowly, and continue beating until egg whites are very thick; about 2-3 minutes.  Beat in cocoa until combined.  Stir in almonds and mix until completely blended.  The batter should be quite thick and sticky.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Dampen hands and shape about 1 heaping teaspoonful of dough into a 1 inch ball.  Pinch the ball with your fingers to form a teardrop shape and place on prepared baking sheet.  Continue process until all the dough is used.  Bake until cookies are slightly cracked; 15-17 minutes.  Let cool on sheet for several minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.  Combine shortening and melted chocolate.  Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of chocolate onto the flat side of a cooled cookie and place another cookie on top.  Press together gently so chocolate oozes out slightly.  Return cookie to rack and let chocolate harden.  

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