National Macaroon Day
Each year on May 31st, National Macaroon Day celebrates the small coconut cookie that is full of flavor and variety, too. Do not mistake these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day summons up a little bit of bliss.
The Italians receive credit for creating these sweet morsels sometime around the 8th or 9th century. The recipes later traveled to France. However, in other parts of the world, the once flourless cookie served its purpose during religious observances.
Eventually, the cookie made its way to the United States, where the coconut macaroon takes only a few ingredients to make. Shredded coconut serves as the main ingredient. Usually sweetened, the coconut may also be toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonful’s onto baking sheets and baked. Most varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or other nuts are sometimes added to the cookie.
This cookie is easy to make, even a beginner can succeed with the simple recipe.