Coconut Macaroons

(Makes about 2 dozen)

2 egg whites (scant 1/3 cup)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups dried unsweetened shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set rack in middle of oven. Mist baking sheet with non-stick spray (or use parchment paper).

1. Whisk egg whites, sugar, almond extract, and salt in a mixing bowl until well blended.
2. Add coconut and mix thoroughly with a large fork or a sturdy rubber spatula. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
3. Form walnut-sized mounds of mixture and place about an inch apart on the oiled baking sheet. The cookies won’t spread unless the mixture is too wet. (Stir mixture from time to time, as the egg white tends to settle.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes, or until macaroons are golden on top and bottom. Transfer from baking sheet to cooling rack with a thin-edged metal spatula. Store in covered container for a week or store for a few months in the freezer, well sealed.

*Optional

Melt dark chocolate in double boiler. Dip macaroons in chocolate for an added treat.