Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

I love coconut, and macaroons are one of my fav's. I thought they would be a pain in the neck to make, but they were SOOO EASY and actually fun to make! The final outcome was super delicious. They are crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. I am surprised I haven't eaten them all yet...cuz let me tell you, they are worth every calorie. :) They also would be a great addition to a package you would send in the mail to a family or friend, because they seem pretty sturdy and I think would hold up well.

Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons:

2/3 c. flour

1- 14 oz. bag of flaked coconut

1/4 tsp. salt

1- 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

*High Quality dipping chocolate of your choice (I use Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips)

Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mat. (I used a Silpat)

In small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and both extracts. In separate, large bowl, mix together the coconut, flour and salt. Add the milk mixture to the coconut mixture and blend together with a spoon or clean hands until well blended.

Use a cookie scoop to place mixture on baking sheets.

Bake in oven for 16-19 minutes, or until coconut is toasted.

If desired, dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate of your choice.

* I melted Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power for about 1 and a half minutes and stirred it until the bowl was no longer warm. Then I dipped and drizzled away and let cool on waxed paper until the chocolate hardened.

Coconut Lemon Cake

It was my husband's birthday yesterday and I asked him what he wanted for cake. He went from apple pie, banana cream pie, and then on to ice cream cake. The night before his b-day he said he would like a cake with lemon filling. I couldn't find any recipes that looked reputable, so I made a white cake with Lemon Filling and a Coconut Buttercream Frosting. :) It turned out pretty yummy! We were in a hurry to leave so I wasn't able to get a great picture, but I know I'll make it again, so here some for the meantime.

It was super easy to make, so here ya go!

Bake any white cake as directed on box and divided between 2 9 inch round pans. Cool completely.

Make frosting while cake is cooling.

Cut top of both cakes so they will be level. Place lemon filling on top of one of the cakes, right side up. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to set filling. Place other cake, cut side down on top of lemon filling. Frost with a crumb coat, refrigerate for 45 minutes, then finish frosting cake.

You could decorate however you wish, but I pressed shredded coconut on the outside of the cake. Enjoy :)

Coconut Creme Frosting:

1 C. Butter, softened, not melted

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 box (16 oz) +1 C. Powdered Sugar

1/2 c. Coconut Creme Coffee Creamer

Mix butter with electric mixer till smooth and creamy. Add 1 tsp. vanilla. Slowly mix in powdered sugar. When mixture is fluffy and powdered sugar is thoroughly mixed, add milk slowly until it reaches desired consistency. You may use more or less creamer depending on how you like it.

Best Ever Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies w/ Coconut

My favorite cookies in the world are the Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate chip cookies from Paradise Bakery.... They are so amazing!!! I tried out this recipe and think they could easily rival Paradise. If you have had the one's from Paradise, you know that is a BOLD statement. But I am the toughest critic when it comes to my baking, and I think they are pretty close. So, try them, they are super easy, and let me know what you think...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies w/ Coconut:

1 1/4 c. oatmeal

1 c. flour

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 c. flaked coconut

1 c. choc. chips (I use milk choc. chips)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. oil

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix dry ingredients, then add oil, egg and vanilla.

Mix thoroughly and add in chocolate chips.

Drop with cookie scooper onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 325 for 12 minutes. ENJOY!!!!