....is Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Almond Macaroons

2 2/3 Cup Coconut, Firmly Packed
2/3 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Flour
4 Egg Whites
1 Cup Sliced Almonds
1 tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp Almond Extract

For Chocolate Dipping:
8 oz. Chocolate Chips
2 Tbsp Butter

Combine Coconut and Sugar. Add the Flour, Egg Whites, Almonds and Extracts. Blend well.

Using a cookie scoop, create equal sized portions and roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and flatten gently.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Melt Chocolate and Butter on a double boiler and dip 1/2 the cookie in Chocolate. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and chill till Chocolate hardens.

Happy Baking!

....is Chocolate Dipped Salted Caramels

Chocolate Dipped Salted Caramels, just in time for Valentines day!

I made these last year for Christmas and while they tasted good, there was a chance biting into them too soon (not letting them melt in your mouth some) would result in a lost tooth. I was determined to do better this year. I think my problem was letting the caramel get too hot and cross over too far into the 'hard ball' stage of candy. Caramels should come off the heat somewhere in between the 'soft-ball' and the 'hard-ball' temperatures. (A candy thermometer is key.) The ideal texture holds its shape in your hand but doesn't require any type of dental procedure, that is you can easily bite through the caramel. Luckily, I was more successful this time around, but even a slightly messed up caramel gets eaten.

....is Coconut Oatmeal

Good Morning!
I'm studying for my (hopefully) last exam before I can officially call myself an Architect. (There are seven nationally required exams and California likes to throw on an extra one for good measure.) As I prepare to study each day I like a nice hearty meal to keep me focused, I also use it as my exam day meal. They don't let you bring snacks into the testing room and I don't test well on an empty stomach. In fact I have a tendency to get 'hangry', a term Mr. & Mrs. M taught me, it's that irrational anger that appears for no reason, except hunger is taking over and anything other than food is slightly infuriating. It doesn't make any sense, and some people manage it better than others, I do not.

So, to fend off the hanger and keep my head in the exam I choose oatmeal. I love oatmeal & brown sugar with a small cup of coffee in the morning, I probably use too much sugar but it's an amazing way to start the day. I like the warmth and it manages to hold me over to lunch without a snack. I also like to top it with Pecan Pie Shortbread, chopped walnuts, or coconut. I had shaved and shredded coconut left over from my winter baking extravaganza. I like a mix of sweetness and a bit of crunch to liven up the oatmeal.
What would you put on your oatmeal?

....is Steak & Green Beans with Chimichurri

Near the end of Architecture School I spent a Semester abroad in Argentina. And it is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. I love the life style of siestas and late night roof top asadas, the Tango, the wine and the steak. On many occasions I enjoyed what I thought was the best steak of my life, and then we would go out to another place and was sure this was the best steak ever. They were tender, juicy and full of flavor. I can't say this recipe will replicate the lovely meals we had but the sauce does bring back very fond memories.

For lunch, a few times a week, we would walk down the street from our school and eat at The Green Door. (I actually don't know the real name of this restaurant but it had a lime green door and threshold.) I would order the 'Sandwich de Lomo' and for about $2 American enjoy a wonderful cut of steak between a fresh, oversized, French Baguette. The counter and tables all contained a small container of Chimichurri, to drizzle as much as you wanted onto your sandwich. The steak was great by itself but the olive oil, spices and slight tang from the citrus and vinegar only enhanced the flavor. Enjoy!



....is Chocolate Dipped Almond Crescents

In my post on Parmesan Garlic Mashed Potatoes I mentioned I was behind on blog posts, dessert are no exception. Just before Christmas MMcK & I had a baking day extravaganza, we made the Chocolate Dipped Almond Crescent Cookies I'm about to share and five other sweet treats to share with friends and family. We made Pecan Pie Shortbread, M&M Cookies, Peanut Butter Balls, Chocolate Dipped Macaroons, Chocolate Covered Salted Caramels & Molasses Gingerdoodles (only two non-chocolated items). The treat have long since been eaten but I still want to share all of the recipes. Enjoy!

Adapted from Food.com