Good morning, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: June 3rd, 2021. Take a look at the Holidays below and let me know which one you most would like to celebrate and why.
National Chocolate Macaroon Day
Macaroons are some of the most delicious cookies you’ll ever enjoy, they have a rich creamy Chocolate filling and a light coating making them the perfect combination of textures. Celebrate Chocolate Macaroon Day by purchasing cookies to eat.
History of Chocolate Macaroon Day
Macaroons have been a favorite treat in cultures all over the world, with each of them having their own variation (many including Coconut!) and local style.
Chocolate Macaroon Day was developed to celebrate their significance, with a special nod to Chocolate and its ability to make everything better.
Five Facts about Macaroons
- A Macaroon is a type of light, baked confection, described as either small cakes or Meringue-like cookies depending on the consistency.
- The original Macaroon was a “small sweet cake consisting largely of ground Almonds” similar to Italian Amaretti.
- The English word Macaroon and French Macaron come from the Italian Maccarone or Maccherone.
- This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, in reference to the Almond Paste which is the principal ingredient.
- Most recipes call for Egg Whites (usually whipped to stiff peaks), with ground or Powdered Seeds, generally Almonds or Nuts. Alternatively, Coconuts, a seed, can be used.
Chocolate Macaroon Recipe
Fantastic Shells
- 1c almond flour
- 3/4c confectioner’s sugar
- 2T cocoa powder
- 2 Large Egg Whites
- 1/4t cream of tartar
- 1/4c granulated sugar
- 1t sea salt (coarse)
By sifting, mix the almond flour, cocoa powder, and confectioners sugar, and then repeat and set aside for later. Then, in a large mixing bowl, use a whisk at medium speed to beat the egg whites into a foam, and then add the cream of tartar while continuing to whisk. Add one tablespoon of sugar at a time and then increase the speed of the whisk until you form hard peaks.
At this point you will begin to slowly sift the dry mixture onto the egg whites while folding the mixture together until the mixture starts to thin, it’s crucial not to over-mix it at this point. When it’s ready, transfer it to a round-tipped pastry bag, and carefully pipe out 1.5-inch rounds approximately an inch apart on parchment paper. Make sure to get rid of any bubbles by tapping the baking sheets a few times on the counter! Once they’ve set, bake them for 18-20 minutes at 300F.
Noshable Ganache
- 1/3c chocolate chips (Semi-Sweet)
- 3T Heavy Cream
- 2T Nutella
- 1T Kahlua Liquor
Using a microwave heat the heavy cream, about a minute should be sufficient.
Then put the chips in a medium bowl and pour in the heated cream over it.
Stir until smooth and carefully add the Nutella and Kahlua liquor, then set in the fridge to cool.
Using another pastry bag fill the macaroons and enjoy!
National Egg Day
Its time to finally create the Eggs you love.
Eggs had some tough years as health experts fretted about the high Cholesterol content. After a revision of the American Heart Association’s guidelines in 2000, the health benefits of Eggs seemed to outweigh the concerns. The AHA says healthy adults can enjoy an Egg per day and easily remain within the daily cholesterol limit. But who can only eat one Egg? Not, me.. How about you?
A single egg has only 75 calories, which is great for those looking to lose weight. The seven grams of protein in an Egg almost makes this a superfood with a great calorie-to-protein ratio.
Those of us who are big fans of Poached, Scrambled, Over Easy, Hard-Boiled, Fried, Sunny-Side-Up, or Soft-Boiled Eggs can feel free to use National Egg Day to utter that timeless phrase, “How do you want your eggs?” And it doesn’t matter if it’s 7am, 7pm, or somewhere in between.
Eggs are great to eat anytime … or any day, for that matter.
In our Homeschool Cooking Class this morning I plan on having Charlie learn how to Scramble Eggs, Fry a Egg and also make Hard Boiled Eggs for Deviled Eggs. Would you like to join us as we try all the Eggs Charlie prepares?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
