Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Before the kickstart of my healthy eating plan and workout routine, I had to have one last hoorah before I settled down and committed to a healthier lifestyle.

And these coconut macaroons were my go to dessert.

If you love coconut even half as much as I do, you're going to absolutely adore these macaroons.

They're easy to make with minimal ingredients and they taste so amazing!

And a rule of thumb for a good coconut macaroon...don't be afraid of browning.  The more golden brown they get, the better.  What's better than toasted coconut??

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut (14 ounce bag)
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, salt, vanilla, and sugar until foamy.

Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, scoop golf ball sized mounds of the coconut mixture and roll into a ball.

Place them onto your prepared cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the bottoms are slightly brown.

Cook for 5-10 minutes on the pan and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Using a microwave or over a double broiler, melt the chocolate chips.

Dip the bottom of the cooled macaroons into the chocolate and place on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to set.

Allow chocolate to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

25+ Easy & Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Christmas and New Year's has come and gone again.  Can you believe it?  So in light of the holidays being over, it's time for my annual Elf on the Shelf post.

Every year I post what our elf Harry was up to for the holiday season in hopes to give some inspiration and ideas to other fellow "elfers" for the next holiday season.

This year differed from previous years, I must admit.  Mainly because...well...I was a tad lazier this year.

I don't know if it was due to the fact that I had a sleeping baby in my room so there wasn't much wiggle room to make "props" this year, the fact that I was exhausted and sick pretty much the entire month of December, or what.

But the kids enjoyed it once again this year, which makes it worthwhile to me.

So without further ado, I give you the 25+ 'some-what lazy and very easy' elf on the shelf ideas.  Here we go.

Day 1:  Harry's annual North Pole Breakfast.  You can read more about it HERE

Day 2:  Nothing tastes better than juice straight from the source.

Day 3:  Hiding a treat.

Day 4:  Even elves love Minecraft.  He's just creepin' around.

Day 5:  I think we found Waldo.

Day 6: Hangin' around.

Day 7:  Fixing himself an elf sized snack.

Day 8:  He replaced their stockings with underwear.

Day 9:  Typical elf talk.

Day 10:  He caught him!

Day 11:  School supplies all the way from the North Pole!

Day 12:  He stole that bunny's jacket to keep warm.

Day 13:  Just peepin' out.

Day 14:  The reason for the season.

Day 15:  Trying to keep warm.

Day 16:  Movie and some popcorn, anyone?

Day 17:  Found some friends.

Day 18:  Kids were a little "naughty" so he was on strike!

Day 19:  Riding along.

Day 20:  Baking some cookies.  I don't think he knows too much about appliances.

Day 21:  Didn't know if he was falling off or climbing up....

Day 22:  Brought his annual Elf Report back.  You can download yours HERE

Day 23:  Taking a nap.

Day 24:  A little surprise in Santa's milk?

Day 25:  Tic tac toe..

Day 26:  Blending in.  (sorry about the blurry picture).

Day 27:  It's time to say goodbye.  He wrote his letter (which you can download HERE).  His magic was lifted and the kids were able to hug and kiss him goodbye.

Does your family have an elf?  I'd love to see some of your ideas!

Hoping everyone had a fantastic holiday season.  Wishing you all lots of joy and peace in the new year.