Chocolate Macaroons

I have recently discovered a little corner of heaven on earth called macaroons. I don't know why I'm so late in the game, but I have now arrived.

For Christmas last year, my brother got me the Bon Appetit: Fast, Easy, Fresh cookbook. I was leafing through it this afternoon, and kept coming back to the chocolate macaroons recipe. Oh a whim, I decided to make them (I've never made macaroons before) and OH. MY. GOSH. they are SO GOOD. 

I signed and oohed and ahhed my way through two of them (What About Bob style) and then helped myself to a third. And maybe ate another while writing this post. Maybe. Here's the recipe:

• 1 1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Melt one cup of chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring frequently. Cool to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. 

Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla, beating until the whites are thick and glossy.

With a spatula, fold in the melted chocolate, coconut, and remaining chocolate chips.

Drop batter by heaping teaspoons onto two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets.

Bake at 325 for 18 - 20 minutes, rotating the pans half way through.

Then try to only eat one.