Paradise Macaroons

So, these were my new cookie last year, and I must say, they are one of my absolute favorites now!  They are delicious right out the oven, "A bit of heaven" my husband said.  But I think they are best when complete.  This year, I doubled the recipe!  Last year I topped them with macadamia nuts, and this year with pistachios.  Either way they are positively delicious, and so easy!  

PARADISE MACAROONS 

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paradise-macaroons-recipe/index.html  adapted from Alton Brown

Ingredients

• 15 oz packages sweetened shredded coconut
• 3 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• pinch salt 
• 1 tsp vanilla ext.
• 4 large egg whites at room temperature
• 5 ounces granulated sugar
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 ounce veg. shortening
• 2 ounces finely chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts or pistachios

Directions

Preheat 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 cookie sheet 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.  (can also heat in microwave in 30 sec. increments, stirring in between until melted.  Takes about 2 min this way)*
Dip the cooled cookies in the choc. mixture,  or spread on top with spoon (works just as well)  sprinkle with the chopped macadamia nuts or pistachios and place on parchment paper to set, about 30 minutes.

*I do my choc. in batches so I can top them as them come out and the choc. is fresh.  for the second batch.