CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Macaroon Brownies

With money once again tight around the holidays, here’s a recipe for a decadent dessert from the people at Duncan Hines that won’t break the bank.

Macaroon Brownies

1 19.95-ounce package Duncan Hines Family Style Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix

2 large egg whites

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon almond extract

1 cup almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13-by-9-inch pan.

Prepare brownies according to package directions for cake-like brownies.

Bake 25 minutes or until set.

Place egg whites in medium bowl. Beat at high speed with electric mixer until foamy and double in volume. Beat in sugar gradually, beating until meringue forms firm peaks. Add almond extract. Fold in almonds and coconut. Spread over warm brownies.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes longer or until meringue is set and lightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Yield: 24 brownies.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

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