French Filled Macaroons

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
2. 2
   In a food processor, combine blanched almonds and 1 cup of the powdered sugar.
3. 3
   Cover and process until very finely ground.
4. 4
   Set aside.
5. 5
   In a large bowl, combine egg whites, salt, and vanilla.
6. 6
   Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl).
7. 7
   Gradually add the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed just until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).
8. 8
   Sprinkle about one-fourth of the almond mixture over the egg mixture; fold in with a large spatula.
9. 9
   Continue sprinkling and folding in almond mixture, one-fourth at a time, until the two mixtures are combined.
10. 10
    Transfer macaroon mixture to a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (about 1/2-inch).
11. 11
    Pipe half the macaroon mixture into 1-inch circles on prepared cookie sheets.
12. 12
    Pipe remaining half of the macaroon mixture into 1-inch mounds on prepared cookie sheets.
13. 13
    Sprinkle tops of mounds with finely chopped shredded coconut.
14. 14
    Bake in a preheated oven about 10 minutes or just until set (cookies shouldn't crack).
15. 15
    Cool cookies completely on cookie sheets on wire racks.
16. 16
    Peel cookies from parchment paper.
17. 17
    Spread about 1/2 teaspoon lemon curd on the top of each of one-half of the rounds.
18. 18
    Spread about 1/2 teaspoon raspberry jam on the top of each of remaining rounds.
19. 19
    Top with cookie mounds, flat sides down.
20. 20
    Makes about 46 sandwich cookies.
21. 21
    To Store: Layer unfilled cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover.
22. 22
    Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
23. 23
    To serve, thaw cookies if frozen.
24. 24
    Fill as directed in prior step.