There are always loads of recipes I'd like to try but lose them before I do. This is where I can record recipes I find interesting and keep notes on my experiments with them.

I have a system that I've adopted for working through recipes:

1 - New recipes are saved to the Experimental Mouffette and is labeled : Untested
2 - As I'm working out the changes I'd like to make (if any) it is labeled : Testing
3 - Once I think I've got the correct formula it is labeled : Test 1
4 - IF I am able to reproduce the effect a second time it is labeled : Test 2 - if I am not able to reproduce the effect, it remains Test 1
5 - The same process as step 4 is used to graduate it to Test 3
6 - Once I have been able to reproduce the effect successfully 3 times, it graduates to my main blog, La Mouffette Gourmande

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Saturday, August 19, 2023

Classic Coconut Macaroons - Test 1


I have come into the possession of a large bag of sweetened shredded coconut. Since I am committed to base my recipes on ingredients that we can grow I have more or less eschewed coconut as a cooking staple. But here I am with quite a lot to use. And I know my darling likes coconut macaroons. Most recipes ask for sweetened condensed milk, except this one. I like its simplicity, although I may decide to dip some of my macaroons in chocolate ganache.

1 - Even before baking this, I changed it. The recipe wants 1 tsp sized macaroons and that seemed silly. So I made a few of those, then some 1/2Tbsp, then 1 Tbsp and finally 2Tbsps. sized. Visually, my preferred ones are the 2 Tbsps.
2 - Tried reducing the amount of sugar a quarter cup. I feel like the results are inconclusive. They were not as crispy but that may be because I didn't take the time to check and leave them a bit longer. I have to check with my compatriots but I also felt like the flavor was not as pronounced.
3 - Yup, this is just the way it's supposed to be. I made it for a catering thing and one person said it was like "biting into a cloud".
4 - This worked out well but I made 2 batches. The first batch, there was too much egg white and it pooled around the macaroons which was unattractive. I suspect the egg whites were too big and it created too much liquid. I consulted the Great Google and an average egg white is 30g, so I started over and only used 60g (2 egg whites) and it worked!

MAKES about 15 cookies

2 large (max 60gr) egg whites, room temperature
⅛ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup sugar
1⅓ cups (146g) sweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbsps. flour
  1. Preheat oven to 325°. 
  2. In a small bowl roughly whisk the egg whites with the salt, vanilla and sugar. 
  3. Add the coconut and flour and mix until combined; mix well.
  4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls Tablespoons-full onto greased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 18-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

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