Helbel’s Weblog

Hi just a quick post as I am supposed to be cooking tea right now, but I just had to tell you about these delicious macaroons I made today. I haven’t had time to bake much lately as I am working on updating my site (well actually my lovely lovely web designer partner is finally getting around to helping with it as my efforts were well… lets just say I am a better artist than web designer!, but I suppose that’s why they pay him the big bucks and I am just an impoverished artist!)

 Anyway, more about the new site when its finished, I’m veering off track as I said I haven’t baked in ages and I was starting to get with-drawls. I just can’t tell you how nice it is to leisurely potter about baking stuff, I know its now very rock and roll to say it but there it is, I Love Baking!!

 I think if I didn’t have such a passion for painting I would love to own a really cool bakery or a pie shop like in pushing daisies. I am totally in awe of that show, I love the quirky off beat characters and I want Chuck’s entire wardrobe!, I read this in a magazine the other day and I thought it summed the show up brilliantly, “Scientists have been doing experiments to try to find something cuter than Pushing Daisies. And they’re having a tough time. In fact, the only thing they’ve found that comes anywhere near pipping it at the cutepost is a room full of candyfloss, shooting stars and giggling toddlers riding happy puppies as if they were tiny horses.” perfectly described , how could not want to watch!!!

So anyway ( I am sorry I am sooo easily distracted! ) I made these coconut macaroons after being inspired by the recipe in the domestic goddess cook book ( probably still the best in the world by the way) I did have to have help whisking the egg whites as I am a total girl when it comes to muscles and my arm hurt! Owww, so jay did the whiskin and I did the measuring. Must have been a match made in heaven because the macaroons turned out perfectly, so yummy , melt in the mouth loveliness GUARANTEED!!! so give em a go.

Must go Jays tummies rumbling!

love Helenxxx

 Coconut Macaroons-

• 2 large egg whites,
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar,
• 100g caster sugar,
• 30g ground almonds,
• pinch of salt,
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
• 250g shredded coconut,
• 1 baking sheet.

Pre-heat the oven at 170oc, gas mark 3.

Beat the egg whites until frothy, then add the cream of tatar and carry on beating until soft peaks are formed. Add the sugar little by little and whisk until the peaks can hold there shape and are shiny. Fold in the almonds, salt, vanilla and coconut. The mixture should be sticky but should, all the same, hold its shape when clumpted together. Form Clementine shaped domes about 6-7 cm in diameter.  I don’t flatten them as i think they look better nicely rounded, but the shape is up to you! Cook for around 20mins until they are just golden in parts and squiggly delicious in the center. Makes 8 large macaroons.