Coconut Macroons and Challah Bread

Yesterday was my day to attempt things that I think are un-attemptable. Macaroons and Challah for the holiday. You might understand why Challah is on my don't-even-think-of-trying-it list. That braid looks way too complicated and gorgeous. But when I recently spyed out the recipe on my new favorite cooking blog, she made it look doable. She is great at taking a complicated recipe and putting it in easy to follow directions, where she even answers questions bloggers write in about. Then there are Macaroons. Why are macaroons on 'the list'? Well, now that I have actually baked a batch, I'm a tad embarrassed that I thought they were so difficult. No. I'm alot embarrassed! I think they are one of the easiest cookies to make. Infact, it would be a great recipe for young kiddos to do. Well, here they are:

I didn't read the recipe accurately the first time (8 cups of flour should have clued me in), so I ended up making 4 loaves instead of 2. But, one of the things I love about Smitten Kitchen's recipes, is that she gives all the details. So instead of baking all 4 loaves, I froze three of them just after they were shaped into braided loaves. I had no idea you could do that! I just need to take them out of the freezer and let them rise before baking. I think I will be making extra loaves more often.

And the macroons...

I have already eaten too many! They are amazing!