Springtime Sweets ~ Macaroon Cookie Bird Nests

Perhaps these cookies look a bit familiar, yes? Back in December I shared my family's all-time favorite holiday cookie recipe -- The Macaroon Kiss.  

 

Baking them once a year (at Christmastime) is not often enough; yet making them every time we crave one of these chewy, chocolatey, coconutty little morsels would render us human dough-balls.  So, I simply had to come up with a way to get a mid-year fix.   Inspired by my affinity for birds' nests and eggs, I put a springtime twist on the classic Macaroon Kiss.

 

Introducing

Coconut Cream Cheese Cookie Bird Nests

Makes approx. 48 cookies

For a printable recipe, click the "Print Friendly" icon at the end of this post.

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups All purpose flour

1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon table salt

2/3 cups butter, softened

6 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon juice from a fresh orange

10 cups sweetened flaked coconut, divided in to 6 cup and 4 cup portions

Cadbury Mini Eggs (2 10oz. bags)

Step 1:  In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

Step 2:  In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg yolks, vanilla and orange juice and beat till smooth.  

Step 3:  In 1 cup increments, mix flour in to the butter mixture.  Add the 6 cups flaked coconut and beat to combine.

Step 4:  Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.

Step 5:  Preheat oven to 350.  One at a time, scoop dough into 1.5" balls (about the size of a large walnut, roll between your palms, then roll in the bowl of remaining coconut (4 cups).  Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet, at least an inch apart (cookies will spread slightly).  A standard cookie sheet should accommodate a dozen cookies at a time.  Bake 16-18 minutes, until the cookies puff and are lightly browned.  

Step 6:  Remove from oven.  Immediately press three eggs in to the center of each cookie.  You may want to lightly press the edges of the cookie inward to give the nest a fuller shape (optional).

Step 7:  Cool on a rack for 15 minutes.  With a thin spatula, gently move cookies on to a rack to finish cooling.

Enjoy!

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This post has been linked-up with:

The Friday Food Frenzy at  Adventures in All Things Food

The Easter Crafts Spring Project Linkup @ Honeybear Lane
Tickled Pink @ 504 Main 

The Spring Fling Party from Flamingo Toes & Homework 
The Spring Hop hosted by:   Buns in my Oven, Eats at Home, Hoosier Homemade, MomAdvice, Nest of Posies, Positively Splendid, The Pennington Point, and WhipperBerry.

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A Little Birdie Told Me...No. 61Featuring St. Patrick's Day Inspirations

You can download the Wee Irish Lads & Lassies Scrap Sheet for free HERE.

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Welcome to 

"A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday No. 61!

If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post,

you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to 

join the party after the features below.

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Perhaps it was the luck of the Irish that brought so many creative St. Patrick's Day link-ups to last week's party...

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 Printable Poem

A beautiful layout and charming original poem from Sweet Anne Designs

Shamrock Rosettes

from the Irish Mantel @ Homespun With Love

Mom's Sweet & Sour Cabbage

from Cupcakes & Crinoline

Luscious Lime Angel Squares

from Simply Sweet Home

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If you've been featured 

(here or on Facebook)
feel free to grab a "featured on" button
from the sidebar.

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Now it's time to link-up and share your creativity!

BIRDS OF A FEATHER DO:

1)  FOLLOW Rook No. 17 with GFC or Linky Followers

2)  LINK-UP -- Link-up the URL of a specific post -- craft, recipe, DIY project, or anything else you'd like to show-off.  If you have something for sale, please refer to the "Advertising" section.

3)  POST THE BUTTON OR A LINK-- Grab the code for the button (below) and paste it into your sidebar or the body of your post.

4)  VISIT ONE other link --  Isn't it great, when you're "discovered" by a new fan as a result of linking up to a party?  Pay it forward and make someone's day!

5) OPTIONAL - Leave a comment -- I'll comment back -- simple as that.

<a href="http://www.rookno17.com"><img altsrc="<a href="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f335/sarahjmorriss/clipartgraphics5-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f335/sarahjmorriss/clipartgraphics5-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

HOW TO:

1) click your cursor in the code box, 

2) right-mouse click and "Select All", 

3) right-mouse click and select Copy. 

4) Paste the code into your sidebar or post.

REMEMBER TO
Visit ONE other link and leave them a comment.

The links are featured from newest to oldest,

so everyone gets a chance to go "first".

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Ninja Academy Party~Enter a Child...Depart a NINJA!

Cloaked by stealth

And dressed in black

The Shadow Ninjas

Have your back

Forget home security systems!

You can train your own elite squad of home-ninjas in less than a day!

This past January, we had tremendous fun putting together this Ninja themed party to celebrate my daughter's seventh birthday.  Inspired by ideas I had collected through Pinterest, and adding a few creative touches of my own, this party came together quickly, easily, and inexpensively.  The kids were engaged in non-stop activities, and left feeling accomplished, proud, ready for bed! 

Ready to train a Ninja squad of your own?  Below you'll find ideas, recipes, tutorials and printables to make it easy.

Scrolled Invitation

Start with an invitation that sets the tone of ceremony and  mystery.  These scrolls are easy to put together.   You'll find the tutorial HERE.

Ninja Shrine of Sweets

 Rice Krispie Sushi

Chocolate Nunchucks

Stealth Disks (Red and Black Oreos)

Chocolate Bow Staffs (Pocky Sticks)

The idea for the Krispie Sushi came from Catch My Party.

Instructions HERE.

Chocolate Nunchucks inspired by Kara's Party Ideas.  Original Post HERE.  We had a tough time with our licorice ropes.  The Red Vines were so fresh that they kept breaking.  Just make sure that you get a pack that isn't super soft.

 

 I designed these Ninja Water Bottle Wraps.

You can download them for free HERE.

NINJA TRAINING

 

Stage 1 -- KARATE BASIC TRAINING

A 20 minute karate class including basic blocks, kicks, safety and philosophy was given by my older daughter, a Tang Soo Do brown belt.

 

Stage 2 -- BOARD BREAKING

 We purchased balsa wood boards from a local craft store.  Each child had the opportunity to break a board.

Stage 3 -- THROWING STARS

For the throwing star game, we purchased some wood stars from the craft store and drilled a hole in the center of each.  We painted them silver, and had the kids take turns trying to hit targets with them.

Stage 4 -- AGILITY TRAINING

We got this idea from the girls' karate classes.  Foam noodles are used to simulate different scenarios from leaping across river beds and rooftops, to ducking under a swinging obstacle and avoiding a lashing viper.  

Stage 5 -- BATTLE THE WHITE NINJA

Having made it this far, the young ninjas earned their katana swords (foam swords purchased from the $1 section at Target).  While they practiced sword combat, my older daughter snuck inside and put on a white ninja costume.  She went around the house and surprised the kids when she appeared in the yard and challenged them each to a one-on-one duel.

 

Each child had a turn to battle "The White Ninja" and achieved a win when their sword touched the red emblem on her chest.

Final Stage -- UZURA-GAKURE

We explained that even more important than being skilled in battle is a ninja's mastery of the art of camouflage -- thereby avoiding combat altogether. Therefore, the final step for the kids' ninja training was to master Uzura-Gakure -- the ability to camouflage oneself as a rock.  

As I prepared to go inside to get the headbands for the graduation ceremony, the kids were told to camouflage themselves as rocks.  When I returned, they were all completely silent and curled into rock formations.  We pretended not to be able to see them.  The looks on the kids' faces were priceless.  

I created this image and used iron-on transfer paper to put the image on black bandanas purchased from Oriental Trading.  You can download an entire printable sheet HERE.

Because they had rendered themselves nearly "invisible", we called them out of hiding, one by one, to be presented with their ceremonial Shadow Ninja headband -- thereby completing their training and ascension to ninjahood.

Introducing the Shadow Ninja class of 2012

Ninja Feast

After all that physical activity, the kids were famished.  The table was set in advance with platters of small oranges (a symbol of wealth and luck).  At each place setting were small Chinese take-out containers filled with pretzel sticks, for the kids to munch on while we brought out dinner.  Dinner consisted of Chinese noodles, steamed edamame, and peanut butter and jelly "sushi".

The noodles were served in red take-out containers.

The Sushi PB&J Rolls from Bon Appetit (photo source) were delicious!

These Cake-Outs start by baking brownies right inside the container.  They're topped with a squiggle of peanut butter frosting for "noodles", Reese's crumbles, and are garnished with edible "chopsticks".  Recipe/tutorial HERE.

PARTING GIFT

 

After dinner, the kids watched Kung Fu Panda II.  As each little ninja left the house, they received their own handmade plush ninja pal -- a card slipped in to his red karate belt reading, "Sleep Tight Little Ninja".

You can find the tutorial and free pattern for the plush ninjas HERE

 

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Teacup Chamomile Tea Cakes

 

What a lovely little treat for your tea party guests ~
A chamomile kissed tea cake
served inside a dainty tea cup! 

 

 

For week two of the Joy the Baker Cookbook Spotlight & Cook-off, I had the opportunity to try Joy's recipe for Mini Chamomile Cakes with Honey Frosting, and decided to see how they'd bake up inside a set of oven-safe teacups. The results were perfectly charming (and delicious).  The honey frosting was a delightful complement to the floral notes of the chamomile cake. 

 

The little cakes are tender, light and sweet and would be a perfect match for a dollop of honey-sweetened whipped cream, for those with less of a sweet tooth (like myself). The batter comes together in the shake of a lamb's tail, and the chamomile tea gives a soft golden hue and subtle taste that evokes a meadow in springtime.

Chamomile Tea Cakes

(slightly adapted from the Joy the Baker Cookbook)

Makes 12 cupcakes or 12 teacup cakes

For the cakes

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted sweet-cream butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

3 tablespoons dried chamomile (fine, not whole)

1/2 cup milk

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For a sweet frosting

2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar, sifted

1 Tablespoon honey

6 Tablespoons heavy cream

pinch of salt

--or--

For a less sweet frosting

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 Tablespoons honey

 

Step 1:  Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees.  Line a cupcake pan with paper or foil liners, or arrange twelve small tea cups on a baking sheet.  Lightly grease the inside of each teacup with canola oil.

Step 2:  In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chamomile together for a few minutes till mixture is coarse and sandy.

Step 3:  Whisk milk, egg, and vanilla together in a large measuring cup. Pour half of the milk mixture into the flour mixture with the mixer on medium-low. Beat until just incorporated. Add remaining milk mixture and turn speed up to medium. Beat for about a minute, until smooth.

 

 

Step 4:  Divide batter evenly into prepared cavities. This mixture makes exactly enough, so use a rubber scraper to scrape all of the mixture from the bowl and into the cups.

Step 5:  Bake for 18-25 minutes or until a toothpick/skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

 

Sweet Frosting (a good option if you have a sweet-tooth, or want to ice the cupcakes and hold prior to serving)

Whisk together sifted powdered sugar, honey, cream, and salt until smooth. Spread on top of cooled cupcakes. Can be stored for 3 days, in an airtight container at room temperature.

Less Sweet Frosting (a good choice for a more delicate balance of flavors, but can not be prepared in advance)

Chill bowl and beater(s) for 15 minutes.  Beat cream in chilled bowl to soft peaks.  Add the honey and beat to medium peaks.  Dollop on cupcakes or in teacups and garnish with a sprinkle of loose chamomile or fresh camomile flowers.  Serve immediately.

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Carte Postale Stamped Silk Flower Pin Tutorial

In December, my friend Holly (of 504 Main) and I hosted a small get-together of some of our closest friends for a "Favorite Things" party (inspired by an idea I found on Pinterest).

We held the event at a local venue overlooking the bay.

Each guest brought enough of a favorite thing (a lipgloss, split of champagne, gourmet chocolate, etc) to give to each of the other ladies.  

These were the "favorite things" that I brought for everyone.

Holly and I provided a linen tote for each guest, and everyone went home with their bags full of incredible new finds.  Holly and I each made our own version of fabric flowers as a little something extra for our friends.  We attached my flowers, which were on pinbacks, to the tote bags.  Holly's flowers, mounted on clips, were worn by each guest.  Here are the flowers that I made:

The inspiration for my flowers came from a post that caught my eye on Pinterest, originating at The French Cupboard.  

 

My color palette was inspired by a cream and black silk flower pin that I saw in a local boutique.  The pins were fun and easy to make.  They make a bold statement on a classic black sweater; can be worn in your hair; or used to dress-up a tote bag or clutch.  

Stamped Silk Flower Pins

Assorted Silk Flowers in the palette of your choosing

Fabric Ink Pad

(Look for fast drying and pigment based)

Postcard or other Ephemeral type stamp 

(mine was purchased at Michael's)

Hot Glue Gun

Buttons or bits of vintage jewelry

Felt (a single pin requires two 2" circles)

Pinbacks

Small hole punch

scissors

Step 1)  Dismantle the flowers, sorting the petals by size, and reserving plastic stamens for later.

Step 2)  Use the stamp and fabric ink pad to stamp the vintage-looking images on some of the lighter colored petals.

Step 3) Dry fit (no glue) layers of petals until you've achieved the desired look.  I used at least two layers of stamped petals.

Ignore the black pipe cleaner in the center.  I originally intended it to hold the petals together during the dry-fit, but later found this step to be unnecessary.

Step 4) Starting with the bottommost petals, begin hot-glueing the layers together.  Glue between every layer.

Step 5)  Create a decorative center by layering a plastic stamen and vintage button.  Hot glue in place.

Step 6)  Optional -- softer petals sometimes have a tendency to droop.  To give the flowers a fuller, more lush look, you may want to glue some of the bottommost petals to the petals just above them.  See the picture below for an example:

Step 7) Cut two felt circles (1.5"-2" in diameter). In one, use a small hole punch to punch two holes, the same distance as the pin bar on the pinback.

Step 8)  Open the pin and insert through one of the holes.  Bring the pin clasp up through the other hole and close the pin.

This is what the felt and pin piece looks like from the back and the front.

Step 9) Glue the plain felt circle to the back of the flower.

Step 10)  Glue the pin and felt piece to the plain felt piece on the flower (so that the pin is sandwiched in-between the felt).  The felt "sandwich" gives the pin durability and strength.

FINIS!

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This project was a:

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