Cherry Coconut Easter Eggs Gluten Free Food

GLUTEN FREE COCONUT MACAROONS RECIPE (DAIRY-FREE, EGG-FREE)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.
• Add all ingredients to the food processor, making sure to spread flakes and flour evenly through the bin of the processor. Make sure to use small coconut flakes, as large ones will result in flat, spread out cookies. Here are the small coconut flakes that I use.
• Blend until you get a thick and sticky mixture that holds together, with smaller, but still noticeable coconut pieces. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed. If any maple syrup remains at the bottom of the processor, fold into dough until well mixed.
• Using a small or medium cookie scoop, scoop firmly packed balls of coconut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space balls evenly apart. Cookies will inflate and enlarge just a bit as they bake.
• Bake for 12-16 mins, until golden around the edges and slightly golden on top. Mine took 14 mins for large ones; medium ones will take about 11-13 minutes. Place baking sheet onto a cooling rack and allow cookies to cool for 5-10 minutes, until firm. Using a heatproof spatula, transfer cookies directly onto the cooling rack to cool completely, about 30 mins-1 hour. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.

CHERRY COCONUT EASTER EGGS (GLUTEN-FREE)

Steps:

• Combine the dessicated coconut, chopped cherries, a few drops of red food colouring and the condensed milk in a bowl and mix well. Add colouring a little at a time until you get a bright colour. We aimed for something like a 'cherry ripe' chocolate bar colour.
• Roll heaped teaspoonfuls of the mixture into egg shapes. Squeeze the mix together and roll into ball shapes. Then shape with your hands to make oval egg shapes. If the mixture is too soft -- add a little more coconut and mix thoroughly.
• Place eggs on a tray and refrigerate until firm.
• Combine the melted chocolate with the copha or oil. You can just use chocolate without the copha or oil- these just give a glossier looking finish to the eggs.
• Dip eggs into chocolate and again refrigerate.
• Decorate as desired with melted NESTLÉ Dark Melts or White Melts (or any chocolate will do -really) that have been coloured with red food colouring.

CHERRY NUT EASTER EGGS

Steps:

• Cut cherries in half, and drain well on paper towels.
• Cook milk, butter and pudding in a medium saucepan on low heat until well blended and thick.
• Remove from stove and add cherries, nuts and enough sugar to make a thick consistency.
• Form the mixture into 8 to 10 egg shapes with hands coated in butter.
• Place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
• Chill several hours until firm.
• Melt chocolate being careful not to scorch it.
• Frost egg with melted chocolate or dip in chocolate.

COCONUT CREAM EGGS

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and coconut. Refrigerate for 1-1/2 hours or until easy to handle. Using hands dusted with confectioners' sugar, mold rounded tablespoonfuls of coconut mixture into egg shapes. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2 hours or until slightly firm. , Melt chocolate chips and shortening. Remove eggs from the freezer a few at a time; dip into chocolate mixture until completely coated. Return to waxed paper; refrigerate until hardened. Store in the refrigerator.