Comfort foods

It's that season! Time for baked goodies, and comfort foods. Between the grey skies, and nippy weather (although it has been warmer than normal), the Yule decorations, and Christmas music I seem to just want to curl up on my back porch, with a warm kitten on my lap (speaking of the holy terror - she just jumped up to join me), a good book or knitting project, a mug of home made hot cocoa, and a nice big plate of cookies.

Currently in the oven are some super simple, crazy yummy coconut macaroons. I unashamedly and whole heartily blame my good friend Katie. I can't seem to spend more than 5 minutes with her without remembering our mutual love of these delectable, fluffy little treats. Thankfully, it only takes about a half hour to get a batch ready to eat, and are so simple which makes for some of the best yummies.

Don't they just look heavenly?

 Melissa's Cinnamon Coconut Macaroon Cookies

3 cups flaked sweetened coconut

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

4 tablespoons all purpose flour

4 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

cinnamon sugar for dusting

Mix coconut, sugar, salt and flour together. In a separate bowl, mix the egg whites, and vanilla together. Then pour egg white mix over the dry ingredients and mix well. Drop by generous teaspoons onto a greased cookie sheet (I just use a parchment paper lined sheet) then dust with cinnamon sugar, and bake for 18-20 minutes at 325ºF. 

See? Easy, quick, and oh so delicious! 

Also on the line of comfort food, I made a frittata yesterday. Now, keep in mind while reading this, I despise mushrooms and tomatoes. But I will eat them in this. 

Spinach, Mushroom, and Sun Dried Tomato Frittata

1 Small onion diced

5 white mushrooms, sliced

6 oz Baby spinach

1 cup milk

4 eggs

2 oz swiss cheese, shredded

2 oz cheddar, shredded

1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 350º

Sautee onions, mushrooms, and spinach in 10 inch oven safe skillet until tender, and most of the moisture is cooked out. 

Mix milk, eggs, cheeses, tomatoes, garlic (we love garlic, so we tend to use a bit more than called for) and salt and pepper,  then pour over vegetables in skillet. stirring till well mixed. 

Allow mixture to cook until almost set, only stirring at the VERY beginning to make sure everything is mixed together. Remember, this is going to be a solid piece of egg yumminess when done. Then put in oven for 15 - 20 minute or until cooked through. 

Now, one thing I have noticed with this, is no matter how much you let the moisture cook off from the onions, mushrooms, and spinach, there is always more left when the mixture is mostly set. Some of this may be oils from the cheese as well. Just let it bubble away, don't be tempted to try to soak it off. It really is enough for two people, easily, but so yummy it's hard to share some times.

Hope you enjoy your holiday cooking and baking endeavors!