Rec: Chocolate-Covered Coconut Macaroons
These were really nice at a tea party my culinary group hosted.
Chocolate-Covered Coconut Macaroons
The combination of chocolate and coconut makes for a luscious treat.
3 cups (lightly packed) sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup egg whites (about 6 large)
1 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
9 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Mix first 3 ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture appears somewhat pasty, stirring constantly, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract. Spread out coconut mixture on large baking sheet. Refrigerate until cold, about 45 minutes (P’s note: popped in freezer for 10 minutes).
Preheat oven to 300̊F. Line another baking sheet with parchment. Press 1/4 cup coconut mixture into pyramid shape (about 1-1/2 inches high). Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining coconut mixture. Bake cookies until golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack and cool.
Set cookies on rack over rimmed baking sheet. Stir chocolate and cream in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Mix in remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spoon glaze over cookies, covering almost completely and allowing chocolate to drip down sides. Refrigerate until glaze sets, at least 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer cookies to airtight container and keep refrigerated.)
Makes about 12.
Source: 9/02 Bon Appetit, Marigold Kitchen, Madison, WI
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/107101
Pat’s notes: Absolutely delicious. Made them half the size by using a 1/8 cup measuring cup (level) and got 24. After reading the reviews I made a half batch of the chocolate-for-dipping and just drizzled it over the tops of the macaroons. They were a nice addition to Barb Job’s tea party.
Other reviewers said:
* - I made them in teaspoon size drops and then dipped half of the cookie in chocolate sauce--very good. Make them small and they will cook more easily.
*Excellent! Made them about 1/2 the size and still I think they could be made smaller. YUM!
*Delicious and easy to make though I thought it was a bit too much chocolate on top. Next time, I'll only use 4 ounces and just drizzle a little on top of each. I took another reviewer's advice and used a 2 teaspoon cookie scoop to make these which made an easy recipe exceptionally simple to prepare.
*Incredible cookies! Delicious, quick and easy to make. Next time I think I'll add toasted, chopped almonds to the recipe, as another reviewer recommended. Guess the best time to add them would be with the chocolate glaze??? Anyway, if you like coconut and chocolate, you will LOVE these. Note: The cook from NJ must have either had the heat to high, or cooked the egg white mixture too long, which caused it to be dry and not stick together. I followed the recipe exactly here and cooked it 12 minutes and it was perfect! I didn't form the pyramids though, but instead used a small ice-cream scoop, stuffing the mixture in and patting it down. Worked great! Also, I went light on the chocolate, drizzling it on with a pastry pipe. YUM!
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/107101