Chocolate-dipped Walnut Macaroons

==Description==
Makes 2½ dozen macaroons
== Ingredients ==
* ¾ cup walnuts, toasted
* 1 cup flaked coconut
* 1½ cups sugar
* 3 cups cooked rice, chilled
* 2 egg whites
* vegetable cooking spray
* 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
* walnut halves, toasted (optional)
== Directions ==
# Chop walnuts in food processor until finely ground.
# Add coconut and sugar; process until coconut is finely minced.
# Add rice; pulse to blend.
# Add egg whites; pulse to blend.
# Spoon mixture into miniature muffin tins coated with cooking spray, filling to top.
# Bake at 350 degrees 40 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned.
# Cool completely on wire rack.
# Run a sharp knife around each macaroon shell, and gently remove from pan.
# Combine chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in top of double boiler.
# Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until melted.
# Remove from heat; set aside.
# Dip one half of each macaroon and each walnut in melted chocolate; garnish undipped macaroon half with dipped walnut half.
# Let set until firm.
# Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until serving time.
Category:Cookie Recipes