Coconut Macaroons

Something to take to the Christmas party.

Set oven at 180 o C

6 egg whites, frozen OK, let defrost and sit on kitchen bench over night.
1 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar
3 large eggs, beaten by hand.
500g of dessicated coconut
300g caster sugar
1 generous Tablespoon of vanilla essence
1 teaspoon of Coconut essence
Candied cherries, cut on 1/2

Beat egg whites and Cream of tartar for 8 mins./speed 3.
In large bowl place , sugar, coconut, vanilla, coconut essence and beaten eggs.
Tip egg whites on top and mix with hands until all the coconut is coated.
Leave for 30 mins. to soak through.
Line baking trays and place small mounds of mix on trays and flatten slightly and press 1/2 cherry into top.
bake until brown on top and around edges.
Cool on tray for 5 mins and then on wire rack.
Store in airtight tin.

Can be coated on the base with Chocolate if desired.
makes 36 biscuits.