1 Preheat the oven to 325ºF and cover cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the walnuts and chocolate and process until they are finely ground.

2 Add the orange zest, cocoa powder and salt, and process a few seconds more. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl.

3 Put the almond paste in the food processor and process until it resembles small crumbs.

4 Add 1 egg white and the water and process until combined. Set aside.

5 n a medium bowl, beat the remaining 2 egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the whites are stiff.

6 Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of the chocolate walnut mixture over the egg whites and fold together, then scoop the egg whites on top of the chocolate walnut mixture in the large bowl.

7 Add the almond paste and stir together until thoroughly mixed. The macaroon dough will be firm enough to hold its shape, and a little sticky.

8 Spoon a generous tablespoon of dough, about 1 inch apart, on the parchment-lined cookie sheets.

9 Bake about 18 minutes, until the surface of the macaroons looks dry, and feels dry to the touch. Cool for a minute on the cookie sheets, then transfer to rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Source:

California Walnut Board