Market Fresh Recipe: Coconut Macaroons With Winter Strawberries

If there is such a thing as a "healthy dessert," then it is Coconut Macaroons with Winter Strawberries.

Coconut got a bad rap for many years due to its high saturated fat content, but the type of fat in coconut (medium chain fatty acid) is not typically stored in the body as fat after all. In fact, cooking with coconut oil is now very much in vogue with health food fanatics. Recently, the tropical fruit rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals has been taking up more coveted shelf space at  or at Farmers Market stalls.

These delectable little nuggets are made with egg whites ($4/dozen eggs from the West Hollywood Farmers Market), shredded unsweetened coconut, and maple syrup. There is no refined sugar, and instead of flour, I use arrowroot powder, a gluten-free thickener, to bind them together. Pair with organic winter strawberries, in season at the market ($2/pint), and enjoy.

These macaroons are perfect for Passover, which begins on Tuesday, April 19. They are also great for anyone with Celiac diesease or a gluten intolerance, or anyone looking for a healthy treat.

So indulge all you want... without the guilt!

Coconut Macaroons with Winter Strawberries

• Makes about 18 macaroons
• Baking time: 25 minutes
• Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 300ºF. 
2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
3. Beat the egg whites and salt until they form stiff peaks.
4. Beat in the arrowroot powder.
5. Slowly beat in the maple syrup or agave nectar and the vanilla.
6. Fold in the coconut.
7. Drop spoonfuls onto the parchment paper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until lightly browned.
9. Cool completely before removing them from the cookie sheets.

Buy your ingredients at the West Hollywood Farmers' Market, held every Monday (rain or shine) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at , 1200 N. Vista St.