Bring These to Your Next Cookie Swap

Coconut Macaroons

But if you work at a certain Texas magazine… don’t, because I’m bringing these.

I’ve been bringing these to every cookie swap since forever. I’ve recently started making these with almond flour instead of all-purpose. The structure is still the same, and my gluten free friends can enjoy them too. You can use half the extract that I do, but they will be less fragrant.

Preheat oven to 350° F.

2/3 cup all purpose or almond flour
14 ounces shredded coconut
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla or almond extract

Mix dry ingredients together. Mix in condensed milk and vanilla. I use either a 1″ or 2″ cookie scoop. They only need to be about 2 inches apart since they don’t spread much. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown at the edges. I like the edges a little crispy (see above)

Dip the bottoms in some melted chocolate if you must, but I like these just as is.

Cool on rack and enjoy. But be sure to enjoy at least one of them warm. Makes about 2 dozen cookies… depending on the size of your macaroons.

My Slow & Small Weekend Plans

The day after Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year. I relish the excuse to enjoy a slow day of reheating starchy foods, some quality knitting time, and drinking hot beverages. The fact that my back is a little wrenched this weeekend makes it easier to slow down.

Snuggled up on the couch with two dogs that are knackered from all the entertaining, I’m grateful for a life far better than one I thought I would have, or even deserved.

And so it begins…

The day after Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the Christmas tree season in my small town. Elgin is home to two Christmas Tree farms, and already the daily parade of Christmas trees on top of cars has begun.

The photo above is the beginning of a lighted tractor display that happens each year. It should be lit up by the next Saturday’s lighted parade.

Evergreen Farms
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm

Shop Small Saturday

Today is our annual reminder of the importance of shopping small and supporting our local businesses. Not sure where to start? The following link has a map of all particpating small businesses near you.

Shop Small Map

P.S. A list of some of my favorite local shops