macaroons

healthy living

A Reader Recipe: Protein Coconut Macaroons

FitSugar reader eatingbirdfood made some low-carb protein coconut macaroons that would be great for an afternoon or post-workout snack.

FitSugar reader eatingbirdfood made some low-carb protein coconut macaroons that would be great for an afternoon or post-workout snack. She posted the recipe in our Healthy Recipe group.

These macaroons are low in sugar and carbs and made with Tone It Up's new protein powder, Perfect Fit Protein.

Learn how to make this low-carb treat after the break!

healthy recipes

Don't Pass These Over: Almond and Coconut Macaroons

Passover is soon, and macaroons are the perfect treat to whip up for your own dinner or to bring along as a guest.

Passover is soon, and macaroons are the perfect treat to whip up for your own dinner or to bring along as a guest. This recipe results in a tasty cookie that's easy to make, is fairly low in sugar, and contains a decent amount of protein and fiber.

Macaroons are traditionally made solely with shredded coconut, but these also contain chopped almonds for an interesting and addictive crunchy texture. The only problem is these almond and coconut macaroons are so hard to resist, you'll have trouble stopping at just one.

Continue reading to see this simple recipe and to find out how many calories are in one macaroon.

Shopping

Etsy Finds: Macarons

Macarons are one of the hottest trends among foodies these days.
Where to Buy Macarons Home Decor

Macarons are one of the hottest trends among foodies these days. As much as our bellies are craving a bite of our favorite coffee, pistachio, or scrumptious chocolate treats, there are plenty of us also hoping to bring a macaroon motif into our homes. From tea towels to wine charms to artwork, there's plenty of macaron marvels to go around. Delight in the divine dessert in my latest edition of Etsy Finds!

baking

Burning Question: Is Macaron Another Spelling of Macaroon?

It's high time I set the record straight: macaron is not an alternate spelling of macaroon!

It's high time I set the record straight: macaron is not an alternate spelling of macaroon! In fact, the two terms refer to distinctly different things. Both macarons and macaroons are confections, and both names are derived from ammaccare, which is Italian for "to crush" — but that's where the similarities end.

A macaron specifically refers to a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream or fruit spread. The delicate treat has a crunchy exterior, and a weightless interior with a soft ending that's almost nougatlike in its chewiness. To add to the confusion, it's often called a French macaroon.

In contrast, the word macaroon is a generic phrase that is applied to a number of small, sweet confections. Mostly, the term is equated with the the moist and dense coconut macaroon, which is composed of egg whites, sugar, and dried coconut, piped with a star-shaped tip, and often dipped in chocolate. The coconut macaroon, or congolais, as it's known in France, is frequently served during Passover because it contains no flour. Which would you rather eat?

Need clarification on something culinary? Join the Burning Question group in the YumSugar Community! It's your place to post the most pressing questions about the culinary world.

Source: Flickr Users _FXR and Itinerant Tightwad

Books

Yum's February Must Haves

Can you believe it's already February?!
YumSugar's 2010 February Must Haves

Can you believe it's already February?! It's a short month that's jam packed with activities and celebrations: the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, the Winter Olympics, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival — we're overwhelmed just thinking of all the cooking, eating, and partying that's to come! Luckily there are a few treats that will help us get through the next 28 days. Here are the items we can't live without.

recipes

Come Party With Me: Cookie Swap — Dessert

The cookies are the star of a cookie exchange, so if you're hosting one, be sure to set out plenty of platters.

The cookies are the star of a cookie exchange, so if you're hosting one, be sure to set out plenty of platters. When guests arrive, give them a serving tray and have them arrange their cookies, placing cards with the name of each cookie nearby. Also stock up on takeout containers and cardboard boxes so everyone has a place to put their newfound treats. I recommend selecting a recipe that produces a large batch of popular cookies like these chocolate-espresso snowcaps coated in powdered sugar. Crunchy peanut butter cookies and spicy ginger cookies are a crowd-pleasing classics, while lemony almond coconut macaroons are chewy and delicious. To check out these favorite cookie recipes, read more

Healthy Recipe

Healthy Recipe: Coconut Macaroons for Passover or Anytime

Passover begins this weekend and that means macaroon time.

Passover begins this weekend and that means macaroon time. If you're looking for a more traditional recipe than the recipe I posted last year for Almond Macaroons, then check out this recipe. This recipe is a bit more traditional since these macaroons are made with shredded coconut, sliced almonds, and egg whites. Plus they're cholesterol free (yes, coconut is cholesterol free). Shredded coconut and sliced almonds add a little fiber to these cookies, which we all could use.

To check out the recipe, just read more

gifts

YumSugar Gift Guide: Love Thy Neighbor

Every year, my mom gives a big box of cookies to all of her friends, neighbors and clients.

Every year, my mom gives a big box of cookies to all of her friends, neighbors and clients. I know because I spend the better half of a weekend curling ribbons for all of the packages. This year I'm helping her branch out of her comfort zone and have come up with a few fun ideas for her neighbors. She can present them with a cute set of holiday spatulas or she can update her tradition with a box of French-Style Macaroons. Either gift will definitely be well received. If you're looking for something for your neighbors, scroll through the list below.