Chocolated-Dipped Macaroons

This is straight from a Baker's Coconut package but it is delicious! The kids and I made them last week and liked them so much that we just made another double batch.

1 pk (14 oz) sweetend, shredded coconut
2/3 c sugar
6 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
4 egg whites
1 tsp almond extract

Mix coconut, sugar, flour and salt in large bowl. Stir in eggs whites and almond extract until well blended. Drop by rounded tablespoontulls onto greased and floured cookie sheets.
Bake at 325 for 20 min or until edges of cookies are golden brown. Immediately removed from cookie sheets to wire racks. Cool completely.

Then melt 1 package (8 squares) of Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate as directed on the package. Dip cookies halfway into the chocolate; let excess chocolate drip off. Refrigerate on wax paper-lined tray until chocolate is firm.

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Winter Squash Soup

This is a fall/winter favorite for me and I always make it for Thanksgiving. The original recipe is from epicurious.

• 1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 14 1/2-ounce cans low-salt chicken broth
• 4 cups 1-inch pieces peeled butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 4 cups 1-inch pieces peeled acorn squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• 1 1/4 teaspoons minced fresh sage
  

• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth, all squash and herbs; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until squash is very tender, about 20 minutes.

Working in batches, puree soup in blender. Return soup to same pot. Stir in cream and sugar; bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill. Rewarm over medium heat before serving.)