Little pillows of heaven

A couple years ago, when I worked closer to Faneuil hall, a dear friend and I would always meet up for lunch when our schedules permitted. She - ms. Math professor extraordinaire and I – her long time friend – used to spend the entire lunch hour, chatting, and laughing and sharing our silly stories about the day or life at that time. Of course we’d eat, and sometimes even do a bit of window shopping, but really, the entire time was dedicated to what girls do best – laugh and chat!

I remember one afternoon, after having lunch, we found ourselves inside Godiva craving a sweet ending to our lunch. Now I know what you’re thinking, Godiva almost always equals chocolate, but surprisingly, not on that day. You see, we didn’t settle on a chewy caramel, or a luscious truffle, or even an iced chocolaty drink. Instead we chose a coconut macaroon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaroon) and in turn, tasted a little pillow of heaven that afternoon.

Right after buying our macaroon, the two us, just stood there, in that store, ooing and aaing as we gobbled up and enjoyed every single coconutty luscious bite. Much to the laugh of everyone around us I’m sure.

When a couple months later, said lovely friend having her bridal shower, I knew I wanted to remind her of that special macaroon we shared; and bring a little extra magic to one of the most magical days in her life. In all the time we’ve been friends, we’ve shared so many memories and so many laughs that reminding her of a recent event seemed to be the best way to let her know the best memories were yet to come!

Having never made a macaroon before, I looked online for a while and finally found the perfect recipe for those yummy treats from our friends at Krafts foods.
http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/chocolate-dipped-coconut-macaroons-64373.aspx

I followed the recipe to a T, without changing any ingredient. The only difference was in the shaping of the macaroons. I chose to shape them into cute little pyramids, whose bases I then dipped in chocolate. I just thought it helped dress up the macaroons and make them extra special for a wonderful celebration!

So whether you’re craving a coconut treat, looking for a reason to make someone smile, planning a black tie event, or just staying home on a lazy Sunday there is always a reason to share a coconut macaroon and enjoy a little pillow of heaven with someone wonderful in your life.

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (14 oz.) BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut 2/3 cup Sugar 6 Tbsp. Flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
4 Egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tsp. Almond extract
1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Method:
Heat oven to 325°F.
Combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt.
Add egg whites and extract; mix well.
Shape mixture into small pyramids with your hands and place 2 inches apart, onto greased and floured baking sheets.
Bake 20 min. or until edges are golden brown.
Cool 3 min. on baking sheets; remove to wire racks.
Cool completely.

Melt chocolate as directed on package, approx 1 minute in the microwave in 2 square increments.
Dip the base of the macaroon into chocolate, shake excess and place on a sheet lined with wax paper to firm.