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The Joyful Cookie
14oz sweetened shredded coconut
14oz sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large egg whites, at room temp.
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1c toasted whole almonds
12oz pkg milk chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the almonds on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake, shaking the pan occasionally until the almonds are toasted and fragrant, about 7-10 mins. Let almonds cool. Lower oven to 325 degrees F. Combine coconut, condensed milk, vanilla, toasted almonds in large bowl. In separate bowl, whip egg whites and salt on high speed with an electric mixer until they make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Drop the batter onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper using an ice cream scoop. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler over hot (not boiling) water. Drizzle equal amounts of melted chocolate with a spoon over the top of each cookie after they are cooled.
I grew up in a family of nine, so my Mom's days were consumed with meal preparation and caring for her children. At an early age, I realized that if I wanted homemade cookies at the end of a school day, I was going to have to make them myself. I entered my first baking contest at six years old and received a 1st place blue ribbon for my pineapple upside down cake. My oldest brother died three years ago and he requested my award winning cake as part of his last meal. The joy I saw in his face while he ate an entire slice is the reason why I love to bake. There's no greater way to say "I Love You" than to present a loved one with their favorite baked delight. I like recipes that take you back to your childhood, and for me, this cookie is a perfect example. As I walked home from elementary school, I would take my milk money and buy my favorite candy bar, an Almond Joy (unbeknownst to my Mom!). I experimented with the candy bar ingredients and hence The Joyful Cookie! When I bite into one of these cookies, I am transformed back to that little girl having a leisurely walk home eating her favorite candy bar. I'm sure my brother experienced similar feelings of a happier time while eating his last slice of his favorite childhood cake.
on 05/22/07 |
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