Jackfruit-Coconut Macaroons

Here's an exotic twist to the Egg-Free Macaroons I made last year. Jackfruit is a tropical fruit commonly found in Southeast Asia. It has a spiky green exterior, similar to a durian, and the seeds inside are surrounded by a yellow fleshy fruit that is sweet and crunchy.

For this recipe, I used canned jackfruit in syrup. They're mostly sold in Asian supermarkets and specialty stores.

Jackfruit-Coconut Macaroons
makes about 3 dozen 
Allergy note: contains wheat and dairy ingredients

14 oz. bag sweetened flaked or shredded coconut
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup canned jackfruit in syrup, drained and chopped

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat

In a large bowl, combine sweetened flaked/shredded coconut, flour and salt. Pour in sweetened condensed milk and chopped jackfruit. Mix until combined. Drop tablespoonfuls (or use a cookie scoop) onto the cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before removing from cookie sheet.

UPDATE 3/25/10: I tried pulsing the shredded coconut in the food processor first before adding it into the batter and it really improved the texture of the macaroons. I also added a little bit of sugar and vanilla extract to enhance the jackfruit flavor.

Fruit S'mores

Strawberry S'mores

Okay, so this isn't exactly revolutionary, but I thought since it has become a family favorite, it was worth mentioning. This is a quick and easy treat that I like to put together when I'm short on time and need something sweet to eat. Basically, you add slices of fruit inside a s'more and voila ... you've got fruit s'mores. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and you're done.


Banana S'mores

You can really get creative with flavors: just run wild with it. Other fruits you can try are raspberries, blueberries, apples, cherries, pineapples, pears, apricots and shredded coconut. You can also spread some strawberry jam, lemon curd, orange marmalade, nutella, peanut butter, Sunbutter or almond butter on the graham cracker for another layer of flavor.


Orange S'mores

Fruit S'mores
allergy note: contains wheat and dairygraham crackers (plain, cinnamon or chocolate)
chocolate bar or chocolate chips (milk, dark, semi-sweet or white chocolate)
marshmallows (regular or mini)
slices of fruit (see suggestions above)
jam or nut butter (optional)
Line a microwave-safe plate with graham cracker squares. On each graham cracker, place some chocolate and marshmallows. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until the marshmallows begin to puff. Place slices of fruit on top of the soft marshmallows then cover with another graham cracker square (if you want, you can spread jam or nut butter on the graham cracker before placing it on top). 
You can also prepare these in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a layer of graham crackers then some chocolate and marshmallows. Bake for 5 minutes or until the marshmallows begin to puff. Remove from the oven and place slices of fruit on top of the soft marshmallows then cover with another graham cracker square.