Latin Flair – Coconut Kisses (Besitos de Coco)
Most countries in the Caribbean have their own version this wonderful coconut treat. It’s always been one of my favorites and one of the first that I buy to bring back home when visiting the Dominican Republic. Dominicans make theirs dark, really sweet and super chewy, with a spicy/cinnamonny flavor in the background that makes you feel warm and cozy inside.
Daisy Martinez’s Puerto Rican version of the morsels of heaven do not disappoint either. Let’s start off by saying that making these could not be any easier. All you do is dump the ingredients in a bowl, mix with a fork, form into little patties and put on a pan to bake and you’re done. Very little effort but the result is quite impressive. What you end up with is a beautifully browned patty with a crunchy outside and chewy inside that is out of this world delicious.
There are a few things that make these kisses so tasty. First, there’s almond flour. You don’t really taste the almond (at least I didn’t) but this flour, which is actually ground blanched almonds, adds to great texture without weighing them down. Then there is the use of brown sugar instead of the white granulated sugar. Not only does it add to the kisses golden brown color but the flavor lingers in your mouth the only way brown sugar can. And finally there are the spices – ground ginger and cinnamon – which pack an incredible flavor punch. Need I say more?
I have been battling over whether or not to give you all the recipe for these little cuties. But after interviewing Daisy and meeting her at a book signing, I’d prefer to encourage you to buy her new book Daisy: Morning Noon and Night where you will find this and many other Latin recipes that will rock your world.
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vanillasugar — May 12, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
i LOVE when you make latin-based foods. please do more!!!!
Diala — May 12, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
Eliana, se ven riquisimos- estos los hago hoy;-)
Sarah — May 12, 2010 @ 4:56 pm
Oh, these look and sound amazing! I'll definitely be trying them soon!
Katrina — May 12, 2010 @ 6:04 pm
They sound great to me!
Anonymous — May 12, 2010 @ 6:18 pm
yummy.. where is the recipe i cant find it
Paris Pastry — May 12, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
The name only is enough to get me running to the kitchen and eating some coconut!! It looks delicious Eliana!♥ Daniëlle
Donna-FFW — May 13, 2010 @ 11:01 am
These look fantastic, Eliana.. I so enjoy when you do Latin dishes!
Barbara GF — May 13, 2010 @ 1:50 pm
I'm tempted to go buy that book just to make these little sweeties, Eliana. They are enticing!
5 Star Foodie — May 13, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
These sound like such scrumptious little bites, yum!
Joy — May 13, 2010 @ 4:59 pm
Oh my goodness, Eliana! It is SO wonderful to hear from you- seriously, you just totally made my day! I've really missed talking with you each week, and I can't apologize enough that I haven't stopped by sooner to check in and say hello. (I actually visited recently, but the latest post was from March so I figured you were away or something.) I had dropped off the blogosphere for a while due to illness- an (unwanted) break from baking (I just didn't have the strength) also meant a break from SMS. I promise though, you were always on my mind, and I've been wondering how you've been doing? Are you enjoying life as a newlywed? Have you been traveling recently? Having fun baking up a storm? Tell me what you've been up to- I'd love to catch up!Now, on to these little coconut beauties that you absolutely TEASED me with. You have me ready to head down to the kitchen to whip up a batch, and then you hold out the recipe on me! You made them sound so heavenly, and I'm always on the look out for good coconut treats as they're my Mom's favorite. Yours look so welcoming and enticing- the kind of treat you sneak off the plate as you walk by them on the table! They're just that good! These are definitely going on my short list of new recipes to try… once I get my hands on the actual recipe
Thanks again for coming by… it means so much to get a little message from you, and it feels good to be back visiting A Chica Bakes- a true gem of a blog that never disappoints! Hope to hear from you again soon.<3,Joy
Tracey — May 14, 2010 @ 12:09 am
Yum, these look great Eliana! I love coconut desserts so I'll have to check whether my library has a copy of the book!
Justin — May 15, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
i just had a coconut ice pop and i'm not sure it totally satisfied my coconut craving. something like this would come to the rescue.
Bridgett — May 17, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
Oh wow, these would not last long around here and they look absolutely delicious.
Clumbsy Cookie — May 17, 2010 @ 11:06 pm
Look at the inside of that cookie! Love it!
Shandy — May 18, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Delicious looking cookies! Great photos too! Happy baking, Shandy
Brittany@twocrazycupcakes — May 19, 2010 @ 2:40 am
Yum!!!! My lil sweet pea and I LOVE coconut. We want to try these for sure
The Duo Dishes — May 19, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Mmmm, sweet and coconutty, plus easy to make!
Ingrid — May 21, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
I'm Puerto Rican and I don't think I've ever had those! They sound GOOD. Btw, as further proof of my PR dinginess I only just tried guava and cheese pastries. Yeah, I know. ~ingrid
Salsa Verde — June 15, 2010 @ 9:09 am
Fantastic website and amazing recipes. I loved it and I'll be back!!XXXXLia.