Coconut Macaroon Nests

Submitted by: Poppy

Perfect little Easter treat! Recipe comes directly off the back of the Bakers Sweetened Coconut bag, with one little change. I like almond flavor, but 1 teaspoon is a bit overbearing. Next time I make these, I'd reduce to 1/2 - 3/4 of a teaspoon. Also, if it's not Easter, these would be so good if dipped in chocolate and then in crushed almonds, or put an almond in the middle of the nest.

1 pkg. Sweetened Coconut (14 oz)

2/3 c. sugar

6 T flour

1/4 tsp salt

4 egg whites

1/2 - 3/4 tsp almond extract

3/4 c chocolate chips

bag of m&m's or mini chocolate cadbury eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In large bowl, mix all ingredients until well blended. Drop by large tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet (or use parchment paper, my favorite). A cookie scoop works well, spray with non-stick spray before scooping. Make a little well in the middle of each cookie, to form a nest. Bake for 18-20 minutes and then let them cool on the baking sheet. 

Once cookies are all baked and cooled, pipe melted chocolate onto each one. Any kind of chocolate will work; I used semi sweet chocolate chips, melted in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Then transfer to a large ziplock bag, cut a small hole in the tip of the bag and pipe! Last, add an egg (cadbury mini chocolate eggs are my favorite). Have fun! 

Zuppa Toscano (Soup)

Submitted by: Poppy


You know that creamy, brothy, sausagey, kaley, potatoey (okay, I'll stop) soup at the Olive Garden. I made a version of it tonight for my mom and I. Come to momma, it is really good!! It was pretty heavy on sausage, which is fine with me, a bit too much for my mom. So, depending on how much you like meat, adjust the recipe accordingly.

1 lb HOT Jimmy Dean Sausage

1 box chicken broth (32 oz)

1/2 onion diced

2 cloves garlic

pinch of red pepper flake

3 - 4 big russet potatoes sliced (like a thick potato chip)

2 stalks of kale chopped (remove the rib)

1/2 cup heavy cream (up to 1 cup if you like it really creamy)

salt and pepper to taste

Brown sausage, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a soup pot. Drain grease. Return to pot and add 1 box of chicken broth and potatoes. Bring to a simmer until potatoes are cooked. Add chopped kale and heavy cream. Simmer until kale is wilted, about 5 minutes. Eat and enjoy! 

No bake energy bites

These little treats are my indulgence these days. They are very easy to make with lots of variation and no baking required. I added chopped almonds to these for some crunchiness! Pinterest has many variation ideas. 

Here's what you'll need

• 1 cup Oats (old fashioned)
• 2/3 cup Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 2 tbsp honey 

Mix ingredients together and chill in fridge for about 10 minutes until the mixture is easy to roll into balls. Once bites are rolled into balls put them back into fridge and eat when ready. Can't get any easier :)