Sara Moulton makes Christmas Cookies on Good Morning America

Ingredients for the Macaroons

Ingredients for the Ganache Filling

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Pulse almonds with 2 cups confectioner's sugar in a food processor until finely ground (almost to a powder) Add cocoa and remaining 1 1/2 cups of confectioner's sugar and pulse until combined.

3. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer at moderately high speed until they hold soft peaks. Fold in almond mixture in 3 batches gently, but thoroughly (batter will be very soft).

4. Transfer batter to pastry bag and pipe small (1 inch diameter) mounds about 2 inches apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake macaroons in batches in the middle of the oven until the top are slightly cracked and appear dry, but are still slightly soft to the touch, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer macaroons on parchment to a dampened kitchen towel and cool 5 minutes. Peel from paper and completely cool on racks. Move onto making the filling.

Finish with Ganache Filling:

1. Bring milk and cream to a total boil in a small, heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Whisk in cocoa, then remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. Cool filling, then chill, covered, until firm enough to hold its shape when spread, about 30 minutes.

2.Sandwich flat sides of macaroons together with 1/2 teaspoon of filling.

Recipe courtesy of Gourmet magazine, © Copyright 2001 Gourmet Magazine.

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