Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Chocolate-Coconut Snowballs

My boyfriend's father loves sweets, but unfortunately suffers from Celiac's disease making him intolerant to gluten (which is found in lots of treats due to the flour involved). Lucky for him I love a good challenge.. so I am always looking for tasty gluten-free sweets to bake and he is always more than happy to test them out for me :) These Chocolate-Coconut Snowballs were part of his Christmas present this year and were a hit! They're basically chocolate macaroons and are ridiculously easy to make, involving only a few ingredients.

Chocolate-Coconut Snowballs
375 degrees. 10 minutes

4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flaked coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

 Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk together egg whites, sugar, and vanilla in glass-proof or stainless steel bowl. 
Fold in coconut flakes.
Place bowl over saucepan containing simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water).
Stir constantly to dissolve sugar.
When the mixture looks glossy and is hot to the touch remove from the heat. 
Add chocolate chips to warm coconut mixture.

Drop mounds on prepared cookie sheet.*
Bake 10 minutes or until browned on edges.

*Something I have found to be extremely helpful and clean, is the use of an ice-cream scoop for cookie dough or even cupcakes. The scoop allows for a perfect amount of mix each time and you don't have to worry about using your hands.