Coconut Kissed Macaroons

Kissed by the sun. 

Seven days on a Caribbean cruise was a great vacation. We spent a lot of time in the beaches, snorkeling and soaking in the rays. We returned with sun kissed skin and wanting more sweets! These cookies reminded us just of what we had experienced. Sun-kissed and great favors. 

Coconut Kissed Macaroons  

1/3 cup butter, softened 

3 ounces cream cheese, softened 

3/4 cup sugar 

1 egg yolk 

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract   

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

3 cups flaked coconut, divided 

48 milk chocolate kisses

  

In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and extracts. Gradually add flour, baking powder and salt to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in 2 cups coconut. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour-if needed until dough is easy to handle.

Roll into balls and roll in the remaining coconut. Place balls on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Once out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on pan for 2-3 minutes or until chocolate is softened. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

Slight Change from Taste of Home 

White Bean Turkey Green Chili

A warm and spicy way to get rid of leftover turkey.

I always buy a turkey that is way to big for the amount of people I am feeding. This year, 4 people and an 11.5 pound turkey. So I am planning for too many leftovers where just sandwiches will get too boring. This chili is a great way to use up the turkey in a flavorful way, so you don't feel like you are having Thanksgiving again. Also it doesn't take a lot of time to just throw together, so after cooking all day you can have an easy meal in the next day or so after. 

White Bean Turkey Green Chili

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

1 jar (16 ounce or so) salsa verde

1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup frozen corn

1 pound or whatever you want to throw in turkey, cooked and shredded 

1 (15 ounce) can white beans

1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste

In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until soft. 

Stir in broth, salsa, chilies, and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add corn, turkey, and beans; simmer at least 10 minutes (I let simmer all afternoon). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Adapted from All Recipes

Thanksgiving Week Meal Plan

I am acting like I am still on vacation. I hardy cook, if it isn't just to throw something in the pan. I can't even believe it is Thanksgiving this week. I have to cook it, so in a way of getting back in the swing of things this week for dinner, here is my Monday Meal Plan.
Meatless Monday: Spaghetti with marinara sauce

Tuesday: Chicken enchiladas 
Wednesday: Spicy Pork with bok choy
Thursday: Turkey with all the fixings
Friday: Turkey pot pie
Saturday: Out to eat for a turkey break
Sunday: Turkey white bean chili



Here is a great big fish that came after me in the water on our trip. There was a lot of things to see in the clear water just off the shore of all the Caribbean islands we visited. I have a yummy cookie to share with you to bring back our trip memories.