There’s something incredibly comforting about coconut. Whether it’s the sweet aroma that evokes thoughts of tropical beaches, or the delightful texture that adds a unique twist to many desserts, coconut is undoubtedly a favorite ingredient of mine. One of my all-time favorite coconut recipes is ‘Coconut Kisses’. Originating from the Southern United States, these sweet morsels are a delightful blend of crispiness and chewiness, making them an irresistible treat. In this blog post, I will share my personal recipe for Coconut Kisses that’s been passed down in my family for generations. Cooking these Coconut Kisses isn’t just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about creating memories. As you fold in the vanilla, cornflakes, coconut, and nuts, you’ll be transported back to simpler times. The smell wafting from your oven will fill your home with a sweet, comforting aroma that’s nothing short of magical. And the best part? These treats are easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to enjoy. So, why do I love this recipe? It’s simple: every bite of these cookies is like a sweet, coconutty kiss. And trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be smitten too!
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 2/3 c. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 2 c. cornflakes
- 1 (3 1/2 oz.) can flaked coconut
- 1/2 c. pecans, chopped
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Beat egg whites at high speed until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in vanilla, cereal, coconut and nuts. Drop by tablespoon on a foil lined cookie sheet.
- Place in oven and immediately turn off oven.
- Do not open door for 8 hours. Carefully peel cookies from foil.
- Store tightly sealed.
- Yield:
- 3 dozen.
Calorie: 0
Total cooking time: 8 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
A Tale of Coconut Kisses and Oven Sorcery
Ah, Coconut Kisses. Just the name itself sounds like something that would pop up in a whimsical fairy tale. And, in a way, it did pop up in my kitchen fairy tale, a story filled with egg whites, sugar, vanilla, cornflakes, flaked coconut, and pecans. So grab your apron, we’re about to delve into this delightful culinary journey.
The Egg White Chronicles
First things first, let’s talk about egg whites. The unsung heroes of the culinary world. They’re the ones that give our Coconut Kisses their fluffy, cloud-like texture. But let me tell you, whisking them into a foamy frenzy is a workout. Forget the gym, 10 minutes of beating egg whites and you’ll be flexing those biceps like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime.
Adding Sugar, Not So Sweet
Next in line on our confectionery assembly line is sugar. Now, you’d think this is a simple, straightforward task. But oh no, the recipe calls for a gradual addition of sugar, one tablespoon at a time. And if you think that’s easy, you’ve never been caught in a sugar storm, desperately trying to keep your kitchen from turning into a winter wonderland. Let’s just say, I’ve had my share of sweet snow days.
Vanilla, Cornflakes, and a Dash of Nuts
After surviving the sugar blizzard, it’s time to fold in the vanilla, cereal, coconut, and nuts. And let me tell you, folding is an art unto itself. It’s like trying to convince a cat to take a bath – a careful, delicate operation that requires the precision of a surgeon and the patience of a saint. And somehow, in the midst of it all, you end up creating this scrumptious, crunchy yet chewy mixture that smells like heaven.
The Oven Anticipation
The next stage involves the oven. Preheated to 350°, it stands there, waiting like a dragon ready to roast our doughy offerings. And here’s the kicker – the moment you put the cookies in, you turn off the oven. Yep, you read that right. It’s like inviting guests over and then telling them to leave as soon as they arrive. But hey, who am I to argue with culinary wisdom?
A Test of Patience
Then comes the part that tests your patience and your resolve. Do not open the oven door for 8 hours. Yes, you heard it right. 8 hours. It’s like the cookies are having a secret meeting and you’re not invited. It’s a cruel, cruel wait, especially when the tempting aroma of baked coconut and vanilla starts to waft around your kitchen.
The Grand Unveiling
After what feels like an eternity (or 8 hours, whichever comes first), it’s finally time to carefully peel the cookies from the foil. It’s a moment of triumph, a moment of joy, a moment of… utter frustration when the cookies decide they’re too attached to the foil. But fear not, fellow bakers. With some gentle persuasion (and maybe a few choice words), they finally give in.
Storage Shenanigans
And finally, store those beautiful Coconut Kisses tightly sealed. But be warned, they’re so delicious, you might find yourself sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack. Or two. Or three dozen. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything…
So there you have it, folks. My epic journey with Coconut Kisses. It was a roller-coaster ride of sugar, egg whites, and patience, but the end result – absolute bliss. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some ‘leftover’ cookies to attend to. Happy baking!
