The Universe has a way of bringing the most fascinating people into my life. So what do you think happened when I gathered a bunch of them around the dinner table? Only the best dinner party I’ve ever given, that’s what. Who were these fascinating people, you might be asking yourself. Let me tell you.
Sweet Mary – Seriously one of the most generous souls, Mary has taken her love of education, food, and travel and woven them together into the fabric of her life experiences. A common theme throughout all of her adventures is the idea of community. Whether it is on a small island in French Polynesia, in the classroom, or around her kitchen table, Mary has seen the power that comes from connecting with other people in meaningful ways.
Inspired Taste – Adam and Joanne use their love of food and cooking together to strengthen their relationship. I admire the fact that they prepare food together and it is a positive experience. That means that there is hope that one day The Mistah and I can truly collaborate in the kitchen, which I think is pretty inspiring.
Angry Asian Creations – Lan has seen parts of the world I can only imagine abstractly. Like Ethiopia. I mean, I know where it is on a map but I can’t even begin to comprehend what it must be like to live there. She is also an example of a good Bread Bible Student and proof that if I would just apply myself, I would be rewarded.
Grace Before Meals – Combining his love of food and his faith, Fr. Leo knows the power that comes from sharing a meal together. And he is on a mission to get us around the table strengthening our families, building our communities. Maybe more than anyone I know, Fr. Leo is so perfectly suited to his vocation that I can’t imagine him in any other role.
Gathered around the table, sharing a meal, we told our stories. We talked about our hopes and aspirations. There may have even been an admission of some Food Network crushes, the details of which will stay among the six of us. So in those moments when I ask myself why I keep this food blog going, I only need to remember the feeling of community, understanding, and inspiration that we created.
I sent all my guests home with coconut macaroons. They left with goodies, but their presence was a tremendous gift to me.
Coconut Macaroons
Adapted from Baking Bites
BAH Note: You don’t have to use a stand mixer for this recipe. A hand held one would work just fine as would some good old fashioned elbow grease. These morsels are moist and chewy perfection.
- 14 ounces sweetened flake coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Heat the oven to 350 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Place the coconut in a food processor and pulse until the coconut is chopped into rice size pieces.
In the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt. When smooth, add the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of almond extract and whisk until smooth. Add the coconut and continue to whisk until it is evenly coated.
Using a small ice cream scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon) portion out the macaroons onto your parchment and bake for 15 – 20 minutes until they are golden on the bottom and just browned on top. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Makes approximately 24.
