Sunday, May 30, 2010

Dark Chocolate Macaroons

For Mother's Day I decided to make cookie arrangements for the women in my life. I then thought I needed to do something special for my mamacita. I knew that one of her fav's is dark chocolate macaroons. I searched for the perfect macaroon recipe and decided on this one from the Barefoot Contessa (I ♥ her!!). They were so moist and yummy! I would definitely use this recipe again!
  • 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Combine the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until they make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
Drop the batter onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper using either a 1 3/4-inch diameter ice cream scoop, or 2 teaspoons. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool and serve.

I then drizzled Extra Dark Guittard Chocolate over each one. I doubled this recipe too (you can just never be too sure) and ended up with extra macaroons. I put the extra baggies of cookies in the freezer and they froze rather nicely. I just pulled a bag out 2 nights ago when I had a sweet tooth (when don't I) and they tasted just as good as the day I made them!

It's BABY Season!!!

I have been dying to use my onesie cookie cutter so when the opportunity came about, I was all over it! Hopefully someone will have a baby girl soon so I can make some pink ones!!


Fight for a CURE

Mother's Day has marked a tradition in my family where the women all head out to the USC Coliseum for the Revlon Run/Walk for Women. We raise money for the cause starting at least a month before the walk. Every year, my mom and I send out a thank you to all that donate. This year we decided to do something a little different. Since I have been having SO much fun making cookies, we decided to do a teal ribbon for ovarian cancer. Unfortunately I haven't mastered the skill of sending cookies in the mail ((this is something I am working on now!!)) ((Sorry to anyone who didn't get one. I OWE YOU!!)) so I was only able to pass out cookies to those I see on a regular basis. I also took this opportunity to teach my mom and sister how to make these cookies. I figure, hey! why not have a few extra hands to help =)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Take Me Out to the Ball Game....

Aww, nothing says summer like baseball. Well in this case, little league! Here is a cookie I just completed. As simple as these look, piping a circle can be quite hard. I think the trick is to not over think it. =)

 

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Cupcake Rice Krispie Treats

Last week was secretary's week ((oops!!)) I wanted to bake something for the lovely ladies in the office but the house was warm and I really didn't feel like turning on the oven. So, I started surveying the cupboards and realized I had everything needed to make rice krispies (props to grandma for always sending me back up to Sacramento with rice krispies and marshmallows in my suitcase. haha airport security probably gets a chuckle out of the many odd items I bring back with me!!) I knew I couldn't just make boring old rice krispie treats to so my bucket o' cookie cutters I went. I decided on cupcakes. I have a bag of chocolate metables in the fridge, left over royal icing from the Teacher Appreciation Cookies, and I always have sprinkles on hand. Here is the final product. I would definitely use white meltables next time. I think they would have been MUCH cuter!

Teacher Appreciation Week

This upcoming week is teacher appreciation week. I know, as a teacher, how great it feels when you have a parent come to you and thank you for all you do with for their children. Here is a cookie order that I just delivered. They are sparkly stars with a tag that reads "some days teachers are the ones who deserve the gold stars"