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The macaroon is a classic cookie served during Jewish holidays. It’s a simple cookie full of sweet coconut that can be easily transformed with different flavor combinations and toppings, perfect for gift-giving during the holidays.
Have you already started your holiday shopping? I actually went out to the mall on Black Friday — no, NOT at 4 in the morning. It was more like 4 in the afternoon. But alas, I went, and I successfully crossed a couple people off my gift list which always feels good. While I do love shopping for others (and you know I picked up a few things for myself along the way — hellooo markdowns at Lululemon!!!), I tend to do a lot of homemade gifts, straight from my kitchen. That’s what #SundaySupper is all about today — Gifts From the Kitchen. Thanks to the wonderful Renee of Magnolia Days for hosting!
Homemade gifts are the best. They take the phrase “it’s the thought that counts” to a whole new level because well, thought is all these gifts consist of! Whether it’s a basket full of freshly baked muffins, trays and trays of cookies, or Mason Jars of your favorite pancake or brownie mix, these kinds of gifts are special because they truly do come straight from the heart.
I love making macaroons during Passover. I made them this past year and had my nieces help dip the bottoms in chocolate — they had a blast and the cookies were delicious! I don’t think any of us were able to eat the store-bought ones after trying my homemade batch. Macaroons are made from sugar, egg whites, and shredded coconut — that’s it. It’s such a simple base but there are lots of fun things you can do to make each macaroon stand out on its own. I made an assortment of different macaroons. Each one has its own style, but that classic coconut flavor is never lost.
I added dark cocoa powder to half of the batch to make chocolate coconut macaroons. Then I melted chocolate to dip some of the bottoms and covered in fun holiday-themed sprinkles. I made an Almond Joy version by placing one almond on top and drizzling melted chocolate over top. There is so much more you can do if you just open your mind and get creative — the options are endless! Chop up your favorite candy into tiny pieces and add it to the batter, add chocolate chips, melt white chocolate for dipping the chocolate macaroons… I could go on forever!
Macaroons are always a hit. It’s hard to believe how easy they are to make, but that’s what makes them so great. Platters of assorted cookies are a great gift idea around the holidays. It gives you an opportunity to personalize the gift by using the recipient’s favorite flavors, colors and ingredients, and really gives them something they’ll remember — because no one can forget dessert!
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 14 oz. bag shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Ghirardelli dark chocolate bar
- holiday sprinkles
- almonds
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Whisk the egg whites, sugar and vanilla in a bowl until fluffy.
- Stir in the coconut until well combined.
- Divide the batter in half and add cocoa powder to one batch. Stir until well combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, turning the sheet at the halfway mark, or until the tops are browned.
- While the macaroons are cooling, melt the chocolate and pour sprinkles in a small shallow dish.
- Dip half of the macaroons into the chocolate and either leave plain or dip immediately into sprinkles.
- Place one almond onto the remaining macaroons and use a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookie.
- Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Need more ideas for gifts? Cookbooks are always a great idea for anyone who loves to cook. You could make one of the recipes and prepare a cute little basket with your goodies and the book! Did you know that two of our #SundaySupper members have written cookbooks of their own? Check ’em out!
Make Ahead Bread: 100 Recipes for Melt-in-Your-Mouth Fresh Bread Every Day by Donna Currie
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Ahead-Bread-Melt—Your-Mouth/dp/1627103953/
An Appealing Plan: A Year Of Everyday Celebrations by Krayl Funch
http://www.amazon.com/Appealing-Plan-Year-Everyday-Celebrations/dp/0990643050
And for even more ideas, check out all of these homemade gifts from the kitchen my #SundaySupper friends are sharing with you today.
Beverages:
- Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate by Supper for a Steal
- Cranberry Infused Vodka by The Redhead Baker
- Cranberry Pomegrante Vodka by Recipes, Food and Cooking
- Creamy Coconut Liqueur by Manu’s Menu
- German Egg Liqueur (Eierlikör) by Magnolia Days
- Holiday Sangria Surprise by Momma’s Meals
- Homemade Kahlua by Country Girl in the Village
- Homemade Organic Lavender Honey by An Appealing Plan
Bread:
- Homemade Pumpernickel Bread by The Foodie Army Wife
- Pumpkin Beer Bread Gift Basket by The Girl in The Little Red Kitchen
Appetizers and Snacks:
- Boozy Olives by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Cookie Butter Puppy Chow by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Reindeer Snack Mix by MealDiva
Condiments and Sauces:
- Butterscotch Sauce {Low Carb} by Nosh My Way
- Cranberry Hatch Chile Salsa by The Texan New Yorker
- Ginger Jam by What Smells So Good?
- Lemon Ginger Marmalade by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Microwave Caramel Sauce by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter by Shockingly Delicious
- Sweet-Hot Red Pepper Jam by Delaware Girl Eats
Savory and Sweet Mixes:
- Creole Jambalaya Mix by Nik Snacks
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Mix by Feed Me, Seymour
- Homemade Brownie Mix in a Jar by The Perfect Brownie
- Homemade Sazon Seasoning by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Skinny Mocha Latte Mix by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Desserts and Sweets:
- Assorted Macaroons by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Bacon & Mixed Nuts Caramel Corn by Brunch with Joy
- Brandy Truffles by Food Lust People Love
- Carob Peanut Butter Cups by Pies and Plots
- Chocolate Cranberry Nut Candy by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Cinnamon Candied Pecans by Noshing With The Nolands
- Coconut Oil White Chocolate + Chocolate Chip Cookies by Wallflour Girl
- Ho Ho Oreo Bark by Seduction in the Kitchen
- Homemade Marshmallows by Curious Cuisiniere
- Maple Chocolates by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Matcha Green Tea Holiday Wreath Cookies by NinjaBaker
- White Chocolate Lollipops by The Life and Loves of Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- White Christmas Fudge by Rhubarb and Honey
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