Photo by Sera Petras
Can you believe how beautiful these macaroons are? Well, that’s partly because they are so tasty, but also because Sera Petras came over and photographed them. I can’t believe how lucky we were to stumble upon Sera. Not only does she have the 2nd coolest name on the planet (After mine of course) but she is an amazing photographer. She photographs weddings, families, and FOOD! It’s like she the peanut butter to our jelly!
So, I happened to meet Sera through my daughter’s school. Her daughter also goes there. After 3 years of being a grinch about meeting other moms, I finally put myself out there a few months ago. I’m so glad I did because I met Sera. Having a work from home job has kind of made me a hermit. I mean, Jessica and I talk to each other on Google Hangout all day, every day, but that doesn’t mean I get actual human interaction. That being said, I realized it was time to get out there and find some friends that I can actually leave the house to see. No offense of course to Jessica, who is in the same boat as me up in Connecticut.
Photo by Sera Petras
One day last week, I cooked a full holiday meal, and Sera came over and photographed it. This post is the beginning of a series of three posts I’ll be doing in the next week. I can’t wait to share all the pictures with you. We are excited to announce a partnership between My Clean Kitchen and Sera Petra Photography. You’ll be seeing some exciting things from us in the near future. Starting with this Holiday Photo Spread.
If you just can’t wait, take a look at the Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe and the Warm Brussel Sprout & Cranberry Slaw. She took those pictures too. They are beautiful!
About the macaroons; these are the perfect holiday gift as well as Hanukkah. I first made these about 3 months ago, and have made them at least 5 times since. I love the honey sweetness, it’s not overly sweet when paired with the unsweetened coconut. I hope you like them as much as we do.
Here is a little more about Sera:
Sera Petras – Guest Photographer
My love affair with photography is ever evolving. I feel that my work has an easy, relaxed feel and yet is elegant and timeless. I truly believe that you can find beauty everywhere. Being able to capture what is real and true about my clients is the most amazing thing and I can’t imagine doing anything else other than being a Mama to my sweet three year old daughter and a wife to my amazing husband. My family is my world and they are constantly inspiring me throughout my journey with photography. When I’m not crafting photographs I can be found whipping up some delicious food or singing in one of my bands. I really am a rockstar!
You can learn more about Sera at her website at www.sarapetras.com. Be sure to check out her Food Photography, its gorgeous!
Ingredients
2 egg whites, gently beaten
¼ cup honey
¼ teaspoon sea salt
2 ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup dark chocolate chips, at least 70%
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the egg whites, honey, sea salt, and coconut until well combined.
- Using a small scoop, like a melon baller, scoop out the coconut mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to have them about 2 inches apart.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Check them often, they should be golden brown, but be careful not to burn.
- Place each macaroon on a wire rack to cool.
- While the macaroons are cooking melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Add the coconut oil and vanilla extract.
- Once the macaroons have cooled slightly, dip them in the chocolate. Place back on the wire rack.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Enjoy!
[…] put the pressure on to make things creative and pretty. So, I enlisted the help of my new friend Sera Petras, a local photographer with lots of food styling and photography experience. She definitely has an […]