White Chocolate Maple Pecan Macaroons

Name: White Chocolate Maple Pecan Macaroons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 5 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 large egg whites; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring; 1-1/3 cups flaked coconut; 1 cup plus 1 package (10 to 12 ounces) white baking chips, divided; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 2 teaspoons shortening

I love macaroons and wanted to add a different twist to them with white chocolate and pecans, some of my favorite ingredients. &Mdash;Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

2 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
1-1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup plus 1 package (10 to 12 ounces) white baking chips, divided
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons shortening

Directions

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°. Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Beat in flavoring. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold in coconut, 1 cup baking chips and pecans.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 1 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake 18-20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
In a microwave, melt shortening and remaining baking chips; stir until smooth. Dip bottoms of macaroons into melted baking chips, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.