Chocolate and Grand Marnier Mini Macaroons Recipe

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 150C/130C fan/300F/Gas 2. Line two baking sheets with greaseproof paper or silicone sheets. Place the almonds, icing sugar and cocoa powder in a food processor and whiz until fine.
2. Using an electric hand whisk beat the eggs to soft peaks, then gradually whisk in the sugar until glossy.
3. Sift the almond mixture over the egg whites and gently fold through with a large metal spoon. Spoon into a piping bag with a 1cm nozzle and pipe 2.5cm (1in) rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. Tap the baking sheets twice on the work surface to flatten out the macaroons and to dislodge any air bubbles. Leave on the side to rest for 30 minutes or until they have formed a skin so that you can touch them lightly. Transfer to the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes then leave to cool completely.
5. Using an electric hand whisk beat the butter, icing sugar and grand marnier together until light and fluffy. Using a small palette knife spread over the bases of half the macaroons or fill a piping bag and pipe on, then sandwich together with the other halves. Sprinkle over the edible gold dust and serve.