Macaroons

A macaroon is a small cake or biscuit made from ground almonds (the original main ingredient), coconut, or other nuts (or even potato), with sugar and possibly flavorings (e.g., honey, vanilla, spices), usually incorporating egg white, and baked to harden the outside, but remain soft and chewable inside. Depending on their ingredients and method of preparation, macaroons may be considered a type of biscuit or cookie. They are often served with tea or coffee as a light dessert or snack; they may also be offered for breakfast (e.g., in France) along with brioche and fruit. Traditionally, the coconut macaroon is a hard-based variant that originated among European Jews (Ashkenazic).