Chocolate Covered Nutella-Mascarpone "Macaroons"

Now how about that mouthful of a title?
 

These "macaroons" are worth every syllable.

While real macaroons and whoopie pies are so much fun to make, like a lot of good things in life, they take time.

So here is my "instant gratification" version...using:

Nilla Wafers,

(Imagine a photo here!)

Mascarpone cheese,

my BFF,

chocolate for dipping,
and chopped pistachios.

Take one wafer, spread with the mascarpone and some Nutella,
top with another wafer...  

Then dip the "macaroon" in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. 

Either do it halfway,

Or fully commit.

It's your choice.

This dessert is fantastic because you can make as many (or as few) as you'd like at a time.  There is no baking required.  

It would be fun to have a "macaroon" party and set up a "bar" where guests can choose the fillings, the type of chocolate for dipping (dark, milk, white), and the toppings (nuts, sprinkles, chopped candy). 

You will want to eat these right away because the Nilla wafers absorb the moisture of the cheese and get a little soggy.  (If you eat them within an hour, they'll be fine.)   But they are best right away. 

Nutella-Mascarpone "Macaroons"
1 dozen

24 Nilla Wafers
1/4 cup Mascarpone Cheese
1/8 cup Nutella
4 to 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped and melted
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios (or almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)

Line a platter or baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper.

Spread one wafer with 1 teaspoon mascarpone.  Place about 1/4 teaspoon of Nutella on top of the mascarpone (this will yield a really "stuffed" macaroon...use less of both fillings if you'd like).  Gently place the second wafer on top of the Nutella.

Place the chocolate (I used about 1/2 a bag of dark chocolate chips) in a microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave in 30-second increments, removing and stirring chocolate well after each 30-second spurt in the microwave, until melted.  (You can also melt the chocolate in a double-boiler on the stove...).

Put an assembled "macaroon" in the chocolate.  Spoon chocolate over it.  Using a spoon, transfer the "macaroon" to the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle with chopped nuts.   

Serve immediately.


It's Linky party time!

Lady Behind the Curtain Link Party