Gail Simmon’s from Top Chef Just Desserts posted a yummy recipe for Toasted Coconut Macaroon on People.com. I love coconut and am the only one in the house who remotely likes it so hopefully I don’t end up eating all these!

Toasted Coconut Macaroons

Makes 24

• 3 egg whites
• ½ tsp. cream of tartar
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 20 oz. sweetened shredded coconut
• 7 oz. dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)

1. Preheat oven to 325ºF.
2. Beat egg whites in electric mixer on low. Once whites are broken up, add cream of tartar and sugar. Increase speed to medium and beat until whites are frothy.
3. Shut off mixer and fold in condensed milk, vanilla and lemon zest. Add coconut and mix until well incorporated. Let mixture sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Drop 12 heaping tablespoons of the batter on each tray, spacing them apart evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
5. Melt chocolate in a double boiler over low heat or in the microwave. Dip half of each macaroon into the chocolate. Place on tray to allow chocolate to set. Serve when cooled.

Instead of eating them all yourself  you should probably share these goodies with your family, friends or invite some of your bingo buddies over.

The holidays are also a great opportunity to spend time together. I heard that Reese Witherspoon holds a Caroling party with her family and friends. Sounds like fun!  I just watched Walk the Line on the weekend. I love her in that movie!

I always like to do crafts with my daughter or make cookies.  As a family we like to go skiing or tobogganing. This year we are trying skating for the first time. We’ll see how that goes. My daughter, ever since she could talk, told us that she didn’t want to try skating until she was 5; not sure why but now that time has come and we’re holding her to it. I will probably be holding on to the boards the whole time or falling over but I’m still going to give it a try.

At this time of year remember there are so many people who are less fortunate than us and it’s the time of year to give a little extra whether it be by donating blankets to the homeless, adopting a family, donating a kids present or make a donation to a charity, bringing non-perishable food items to the food bank or volunteering to work at a shelter and serve meals. Over the last 4 years I have taken my daughter to the Food Bank and donated a big box of food and usually a few kids presents. I think it is important for her to learn that there are people less fortunate that do not have everything she has.  I know it has been pretty cold here and anyone on the street would sure appreciate a warm jacket, socks or blanket. Luckily where I live there are enough shelters to accommodate all the homeless but I’m certain many cities and towns do not have that luxury.

If you are able please do your part and help those in need and enjoy the time with your families. Happy Holidays bingo buds!