Coconut Almond Macaroon Cake

Light & reminiscent of Spring, these macaroon-like squares are not excessively sweet but melt in your mouth and are gluten-free.  I’ve adapted this recipe from the one on the package of Bob’s Red Mill “Finely Ground Almond Meal/Flour” which is made from skinless, blanched almonds.  Be sure to look for this product rather than “Finely Ground Natural Almond Meal” which is made from whole almonds and has flecks of skin visible. You’ll have a prettier result!

COCONUT ALMOND MACAROON CAKE

Preheat oven to 350 and line an 8X8 baking pan with foil.  Cream the butter & sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating until fluffy.  Add almond milk & extracts.  Add salt, baking powder, coconut flour & almond flour. Mix until well combined, then add flaked coconut & pineapple and mix briefly. Spread evenly into pan and top with sliced almonds.  Bake 30 minutes until slightly browned.  Cool and cut into 16 squares.

•  6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup almond milk or coconut cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
•  1/4 cup organic coconut flour
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
• 1/8 cup sliced almonds

If you like to experiment, it might be nice to try this with orange extract, just to vary the flavor a bit.  The original recipe called for milk instead of almond milk, no flaked coconut, no pineapple,and no toppings. Also, I have tried cutting the butter down to 4T with success.     So – depending on what is on hand in your pantry – go for i!

For something more decadent, add a cream cheese frosting such as this one: 1 stick softened butter, 2 oz cream cheese, 1/2 tsp vanilla & 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar. After icing the cake, top with flaked coconut and sliced almonds.

Serve with a light afternoon tea like jasmine green tea and maybe a bowl of fresh berries or yogurt. My gluten-free guests love it. Bon Appetit!!

A recipe from Donna Alley, Innkeeper Since 1984

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast

Highlands, North Carolina (828) 526-2060

Ghirardelli Chocolate-Almond Bars

Pure comfort. Bite into one of these and your Winter Blahs will disappear!!

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips (or half raisins)
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/8 cup sliced almonds (for topping)

Preheat Oven to 350 and line 8X8 baking pan with foil.  Cream butter & sugar, add egg, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Add almond & vanilla extracts, baking powder & salt.  Add almond meal, flour, chocolate chips, coconut & 1/2 cup sliced almonds. Mix until combined.  Press into prepared pan, sprinkle with 1/8 cup sliced almonds and bake about 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.  Cool completely, remove from pan along with foil, and cut into bars. Makes 25 small bars.

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Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast, 541 Hickory Street, Highlands NC 28741

(828) 526-2060 or (866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

Cranberry Coconut Bars

Cranberry Coconut Bars

For the Bars:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 3/8 cup light brown sugar
• 3/8 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/8 cup passion fruit or orange juice
• 1/4 cup almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 and line an 8X8 baking pan with foil. Cream butter & sugars. Add almond extract,, vanilla and egg, beating well.  Add baking powder, salt, cinnamon, flour & almond meal.  Mix until blended. Pour into prepared pan and bake 25 minutes.  Remove from oven, mix the glaze ingredients and spread evenly over top of bars.  Cool completely, remove from pan, and cut into 25 bars.

These are best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a late Summer breeze on the porch at Colonial Pines Inn!

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast

Highlands NC (828) 526-2060

Check Website for Seasonal Specials:  http://www.colonialpinesinn.com