My First Coconut Macaroons
(recipe inspired by Better Homes and Gardens Cookies and Candies, 1966)
These are flaky and chewy, but not sticky or heavy macaroons. I would like them a bit stickier if it would make them moister. Is it reasonable to blame the "reduced fat" coconut for the slight dryness? Because I do. I didn't even mean to buy reduced fat coconut. I didn't know it was an option. Boo!
Still, I think the recipe is a pretty sound one, so I'll share it.
4 egg whites - I had leftover egg whites in a bowl, so I used 12 T. leftover egg whites, which is the equivalent.
Pinch of salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. sugar - I bet superfine sugar would be nice in this
2 1/2 c. coconut - Mine was unsweetened organic and reduced fat (again, boo!). I might use just 2 c. next time to see if it makes them a bit less dry. And I definitely will never buy reduced fat coconut again. Also, if you have sweetened coconut you might want to use less sugar in the recipe.
Just beat the egg whites with the salt and vanilla until you get soft peaks. Then add the sugar a little bit at a time while continuing to beat the mixture until you get much stiffer peaks and everything seems incorporated. Fold in the coconut. Drop by rounded tablespoon (or shape with damp hands) onto a greased cookie sheet (you can also use parchment paper or a silicone mat on the cookie sheet). Bake at 325 F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Note: Makes around 40 macaroons. You should feel free to cut this recipe in half if you have less leftover egg whites than I did or want fewer cookies.
p.s. A&E's Intervention? Depressing. I'm making an effort to snack in moderation, people. I don't want anyone to have to call in Jeff VanVonderen. Though, for the record, he's my favorite intervention specialist.
9 comments:
I didn't know reduced fat coconut was an option either. I don't know how I feel about that prospect. Methinks I don't like it.
I've been using powdered egg whites lately. They're like $8 for a can, but totally worth it. Deb-El is the brand...I think...
Reduced fat coconut? I, too, didn't know that was an option. What's the point?
And while we're on the subject of reduced fat/low carbs/whatever, what's the point in recipes for cookies and cakes and other junk food that actually CALL for low fat ingredients? If I'm going to eat junk food I want it to taste good. Cause yes, reduced fat just takes away all the taste. And the fun.
I didn't know about the reduced fat coconut either. I'm glad you tried it and shared the recipe with us.
I try to snack in moderation too. I actually do better when I don't 'try'. Seems all I have to do is think about cutting back and I want more! LOL.
Thanks for all the comments. Nik and Domestic Goddess, I'm with you. I can reduce fat in other areas if/when I need to. I don't need it in my indulgences. I've yet to find a reduced fat product that tastes as good as the full-fat version.
Maryeb, I'm glad I tried it, too, though it was not on purpose! ;) Now I know to stay away from the stuff. The bit about snacking in moderation was a bit of a goof. I can stop any time. Really, I can.
But I don't want to.
p.s. Nik, thanks for the tip about powdered egg whites. I always think separating eggs is so wasteful. I almost never use up the "leftover" yolk or white in time and have to throw it out.
I'm with you--boo on the lowfat options out there. You only end up eating more of everthing. The macaroons look yummy though--lowfat and all.
Sounds delicious!
And Jennette, for a "treat", you might want to head back over to my blog: www.littleruffledfeathers.blogspot.com. Because you're a winner!
Jeff VanVondy is my favorite too. I would dip those cookies in chocolate and eat them. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
MaryMary, thanks! They're not bad, when all is said and done. But I'm not eating more of them than I would if they were higher in fat because they're too dry to eat more than one or two at a time.
Caps - That's almost what I'm doing. They're best with some Nutella spread on the top!
Carrie - Thank you! Snacks and shoes photograph well together, don't they?!
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