Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan Chocolate Macaroons {Hail Merry Copy Cat}


I've known about Hail Merry for a while now, but only recently found their goodies locally. I was hesitant to order online because of the {understandably} high shipping costs and what-not. Don't get me wrong! I love the company and respect them very much. Those shipping charges make sense, given what they're delivering.

Anyway, while I love Hail Merry and their offerings, I knew there had to be a way to keep goodies like these in my fridge on the regular without ruining the budget.

I may be biased, but I think these might be even better than the originals! They're melt-in-your-mouth creamy, come together in a snap, and call for only a few simple ingredients. How can you go wrong?! Give them a try today. I promise you'll be glad you did!

{Pssst! Want to see the vanilla/blonde version of these macaroons?? Click Here.}

You'll Need:
1 {heaping} Cup Shredded Coconut {I used sweetened coconut}
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
5 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder {use the good stuff! you'll thank yourself later.}
1/8 Cup {that's two Tbsp.} Maple Syrup {again--the real stuff! no Mrs. Butterworth's...}
1/2 tsp. Vanilla

To Make:
Add coconut to your food processor, cover, and pulse several times to further break up the coconut.
Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and run the processor again to mix completely. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
Working quickly {coconut oil melts very rapidly in your hands!}, roll the mixture into small balls and place in a dish lined with parchment paper. Better yet, use a small scoop {like this} to measure equally sized portions, depositing them directly on the dish.
Refrigerate immediately, allowing the macaroons to set up, then cover and store in your fridge or freezer.
Makes 10-15 macaroons, depending on size.

Update: A dear friend of mine made these using unsweetened coconut, and noted that she added a tablespoon of agave to the mixture to achieve the sweetness she wanted. Perfect! Feel free to do the same, but work in small increments to avoid adding too much liquid to the mixture.


This recipe was shared on... Allergy Free Wednesdays, Show off Your Stuff Party, Fight Back Friday, Lifeologia, My Meatless Mondays, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday

71 comments:

  1. I guess imitation is a great form of flattery :)

    Thanks for positive comments-

    So your readers who don't want to dehydrate at home know, Hail Merry is offered in more than 1000 stores across the USA-mostly natural markets but also some Wegman's, and all Central Markets-for much less money than shipping makes them when we send them from kitchen to you-shipping is expensive and we love it when you can find a bag near home-such a great value. But thanks for loving us :)

    Not same recipe and my vote is still with ours but yours sound great, too.

    Sarah (ceo)
    Hail Merry

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    1. Wow, I didn't really know how I was going to reply to this, so I'm going to keep it as short, simple, and sweet as I can. I find it hard to believe, that a CEO takes time out of their day, to deliberately set out, to hurt sombebody's feelings. As far as flattering goes, a lot of friends and followers of Christina's probably find it much easier, and less expensive to create their own treats. It's not so flattering, seeing a comment so cold, coming from somebody, who at the same time is trying to sell their product to her readers. I just find it very odd----and, might I add, I have never tried any of your products, and unfortunately, because of the way you presented yourself here, I might not ever. So thank you, for letting all of us know, how very "supportive" you are to all of your customers, Christina included. At least you are still Classy Christina, and continue to support, how delicious all of their products are.

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    2. I hope that people don't set out to leave rude, snarky comments on your business's website as you have done here. It is very hurtful to accuse someone of trying to imitate you, especially when the person you are accusing has much more class and character in her pinkie than it appears you will ever have. Christina has many devoted friends/fans that prefer to spend their hard earned dollars making their own treats at home, rather than giving that money away to a company that acts like they support their customers, but instead choose to use someone else's blog to promote their expensive products.

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    3. Wow, Sarah, your comment is a turn off. I won't be trying Hail Merry anytime soon.

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    4. I can't believe how rude Sarah's comments came across. I really liked Hail Merry treats, but my daughter likes to bake with me and I thought this could be a great recipe that we could share together. If Hail Merry is so successful and in so many stores, maybe Sarah should focus on what she's doing right instead of posting comments online.

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    5. I won't be trying Hail Mary products anytime soon. Sarah's comment seems very rude. All Christina was trying to do was find a lower cost alternative. She talked about how much she enjoys Hail Mary products, in fact. I don't know anyone in this economy who isn't watching those pennies so Sarah's words seem to ring a bit bitter. Hope she didn't mean it like it sounded!

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    6. Funny, but I don't hear anything rude in Sarah's remarks. She says the recipe is different but sounds good, and, in support of her own business, she lets everyone reading know that her macaroons are cheaper if purchased in local stores and not ordered from the company. Come on folks, let this health-conscious, courageous business woman plug her company. She could have screamed recipe copying, etc. "Hail Merry" is even in the article title, yet she did not squawk. Live a few more years and you'll find that it takes bigger and bigger stuff to bug ya. I love Hail Merry Macs and will also try this recipe. Thanks.

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    7. It doesn't seem to me that Sarah's remarks are rude, either. She seems to take it in good humor that someone is suggested her products are pricy and offered a recipe for similar items. She instead takes this blog post as the well-intentioned compliment that Christina means it to be. Seems like they understand each other perfectly.

      So why try to stir something up (other than these great looking macaroons?) between what appear to be two very reasonable ladies?

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    8. What's wrong with you people (March and early April)? Grow up, get over yourselves. The world doesn't revolve around you, and frankly, Sarah's comment was as polite as it could be.

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    9. I agree, Sarah's comments seemed polite to me as well. The people above take things waaaaaay too seriously and filtered it through a negative for some odd reason. Probably indicative of the way they live their lives too.....lol :)

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    10. I agree with Sarah: "imitation is a great form of flattery" I LOVE Hail Merry and when we are traveling their macaroons and tarts are top on our list. But when I am at home, making them fits in our budget so it is a win/win situation. I am SO thankful for Sarah and Christina and appreciate what both are sharing! ♥

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    11. "You see what you look for." I also see Sarah's comment as just fine and friendly. And Christina's reply below is wonderful as well. The internet's a hard place when you can't see someone's eyes or hear their tone. Sarah's smiley face makes her intention known. Christina didn't need to say what she was trying to imitate (it is an original recipe after all) but chose to give that plug. I see grace all around.

      Christina, thanks for the lovely recipe. It's my first time at your site and I love it! Thanks for sharing and best blessings to you and yours! <3

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    12. I too find Sarah's comment polite and not at all snarky. I love Hail Mary products and as they are available at Natural Grocer's in my town I will continue to buy them. However, I too am on a budget and can only afford them from time to time. My children and I love to cook and bake and create allergy friendly, healthy and tasty recipes in the kitchen. I have often attempted to re-create versions of food I love in my kitchen, whether it's a store product or restaurant dish. I was actually searching for some recipes similar to Hail Mary products to try in our kitchen when I found this blog/post. Imitation is a form of flattery, and sometimes even if your own version is very good, you still want the original at times and the convenience of not having to make it yourself :-)

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    13. I am both going to try these AND go to Hail Merry's website to see what they offer. Never heard of them before but I'm looking forward to browsing and buying. Not sure what the kaffuffle of anonymous comments was at the beginning of the comment thread, seemed unwarranted to me.

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    14. I suspect Sarah's original comment was changed. If you read Christina's reply below, she responds to phrases from the original comment that are no longer in Sarah's comment. I love the Hail Merry treats but really can't afford to feed those to my family of 7, so yay for this recipe!

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    15. Well, looks like I'll never ever buy a Hail Merry product. I can't believe some jerk CEO thinks its okay to actively stalk the internet looking for DIYers to attack. Hey Sarah - every stop to think that your company isn't the sole inventor of this little thing called a recipe? Check your obvious ignorance at the door, as well as your "holier than thou" attitude. Go run your pathetic business into the ground instead of pestering innocent bloggers who thought they might throw a recipe out there for others to enjoy making at home. How absolutely appalling that you would attack someone like this, especially when they go out of their way to say that they admire your product and are attempting to emulate it. I agree that it is admirable that Christina is exhibiting professionalism with her response to you, and kudos to her. I, however, won't be shy to say that Sarah (little miss CEO) needs to GET A LIFE. Christina, keep rocking out your recipes, girl!

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    16. Sarah comment was lovely. Boy, how can you read into anything but that. Look into your own soul and heart to see where all the hurtful stuff came from. Sarah treats are amazing and kiddos to her and her group of smart, caring women for giving us this delicious product. Christina thanks for your recipe and website. It is just great!

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    17. Wow... I thought Sarah's comment was polite and nice and she didn't knock the recipe just said it was different. It's kinda funny that the crazy reactions are from anonymous posters.

      I love Hail Merry and will definitely try this recipe!

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    18. wow, you people really jumped off the handle on this one... Sarah did no such thing but say imitation is a form of flattery, which is true, and then say that her (Christina) recipe looked great. and for this person who said "I hope that people don't set out to leave rude, snarky comments on your business's website as you have done here. It is very hurtful to accuse someone of trying to imitate you"...how about you check the name of this recipe, dummy, it's called the Hail Merry Copy Cat.

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    19. Sarah's comments were fine and appropriate and her treats are fabulous. Christina, thank you for giving us a tweaked version - I haven't been able to find Hail Merry in my neck of the woods and I'm so glad you've given me the opportunity to try to make something like them at home. Everyone else….calm down and have a treat. It'll make you feel better.

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  2. Thanks for your note, Sarah. You made a great point--that these aren't dehydrated in any way, and therefore, are different. They're not quite so "stable," and transportable as your product, which absolutely has its time and place.

    Unfortunately, my budget doesn't allow me to regularly purchase your sweet treats, and if it did, you can bet I'd have a shelf full of Hail Merry tarts and macaroons! Yum! The recipe, yes, is different. That's why I can't call myself a brilliant Raw Foods company owner!

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    1. This recipe sounds awesome and affordable! Thank you for sharing. I am going to try them this weekend. If they are a success, they will be a hit at Easter! Maybe you and Sarah from Hail Merry should have a little cook-off? Even though they are very different, it would be fun to see which one is the favorite. Thanks for all the healthy GF recipes Christina!

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  3. They look delicious C! I have some sweet GF, vegan friends who will love to try this! Thanks for always sharing your amazing creations!

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  4. Oh my word! Thanks for posting a great recipe, and a great way to save money!!! You're the greatest!

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  5. I picked up some maple syrup at Costco tonight so I've got everything...except a food processor. Do you think I could do this in a blender?

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  6. Thanks for the yummy recipe! I used unsweetened coconut and added a little agave to it. Been eating them straight out of the freezer. Yum!

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  7. Just made these and easily doubled the recipe... I just knew we'd love them, so I saved myself a little extra time! :) Great, easy recipe! Thanks!

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  8. Thanks for sharing on Allergy Free Wednesdays! Remember to be featured....you have to have a link back the hop within your post. I love Merry tarts, and these looks amazing!

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  9. Oh but of course! I completely forgot. Silly mommy brain ;)

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  10. mommy brain is a VERY real thing!! I live with it every day, lovely isn't it?! Thanks for linking back!

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  11. I just recently went gluten-free and I'm a health nut, so my good fats are VERY important to me. This was a great find, since I'm cutting my sugar intake, so THANK YOU! I just made a batch (1T maple syrup, 1T raw honey) and they're almost gone...I guess I'll be making more tomorrow! Much better than a cookie any day of the week :)

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  12. Wow - so yummy!Thanks for posting such a healthy dessert!

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  13. What a treat for both the eyes and the mouth ;D
    Love the photo - such pureness in it ;)
    and the recipe is divine!
    Love it.
    Thank you for sharing it at the Potluck Party! xoxo

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  14. These are fabulous! I used unsweetened coconut and didn't think they needed any additional sweetener. Thanks for sharing!!

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  15. These look wonderful. I'm fighting the urge to make them right now. I just finished a Larabar so don't need one but . . .

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  16. Just made these. Very good. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Yummy, these look really good!

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  18. I was recently introduced to the Hail Merry macaroons and they were heavenly. I just made a batch of these and so far they taste wonderful. I've covered the mixture and put it in the fridge to firm up a few minutes before making the balls. I don't think they will last very long once they're discovered!

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    1. Good thinking! Because I use a scoop with a little press to "eject" the formed ball, I don't wait for mine to set in the fridge before forming them, but, if you wish to use a different kind of scoop {or your hands}, putting them in the fridge first is a great idea.

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  19. If I wanted to make the non-chocolate ones do you think they would still come together? Should I maybe add a little almond or coconut flour? I too agree that the Hail Merry ones are DELISH but they sure are spendy!

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  20. Hi Brenda! That's a great question. You can absolutely make the other variety. Use almond meal. I would start with 1/4 cup, and then perhaps add an extra Tablespoon, depending on the consistency you wind up with. I'll give that a try sometime soon, but when YOU try it, would you let me know how they turn out?? :)

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  21. sounds great to me, will try both with local maple sugar and agave. Nothing wrong with the comment from company owner. I love the products, but the way they go in my house I need to find a recipe to keep them around!

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  22. I made these today, ate the entire batch, and just posted to my blog! Thanks for sharing such a yummy recipe!

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  23. These sound awesome!! Thanks for posting a recipe!!!

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  24. Has anyone tried to make the "blonde" version yet? I see you recommend about 1/4 cup of almond flour... would you just add that to the same amounts of the other ingredients, minus the cocoa powder? I've made the chocolate version several times already and they don't last long around here! I'm rationing my Hail Merry macaroons, so this is a great way to make those last! This, and hiding them...

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    1. I haven't tried it {hmmn... maybe this week!?} yet, but yes, omit the cocoa powder and add almond meal.

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  25. Ok... so I tried the "Blonde" version of the HM macaroons. Not as good as the chocolate version (nothing ever is), and not quite as good as the Hail Merry original, but good enough for them to be gone pretty quickly. I used 1/4 almond flour, plus maybe another TBS or so. I'll be interested to see what you come up with if you try them! Thanks for some awesome recipes! ---Debra

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    1. Thanks for that update, Debra! and thank you for your sweet comment :) ...I'll be sure to take this into account when I am able to give the blondies a go!!

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  26. I am sorry but I didn't find anything rude in Sarah's comment. I don't usually read this blog but I was looking for a copy cat for Hail Mary's since they are pretty expensive.
    Haha and what is this comment I see "accusing someone of trying to immitate" ?? The recipe is called HAIL MARY COPY CAT!!!!! Everybody just calm down and everything will be fine. Why not just say thank you for the awesome product, and thank you for the copy cat recipe so I can make them cheaper at home...

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  27. LOVE this recipe!
    Going back to my less healthy days I loved "Almond Joy," so I added almond extract instead of vanilla--GREAT FLAVOR

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  28. Someone above asked if these could be made in a blender instead of a food processor. I'd like that question answered since I would also like to know. Btw, I saw nada, zip, zero, zilch wrong with Sarah's comment and she's very gracious to boot. I LOVE Hail Merry products and the expense keeps me from eating too many of them, although I believe them to be fairly priced. Thank goodness I live near a Whole Foods store that sells her products, but I'm always interested to see if I might make a fair facsimile when I can't buy at the store. It's nice to know that Central Market carries the Hail Merry. Btw, the tarts are SO delcious! And thanks to Christina or anyone who can deliver a GF recipe. It's a challenge to eat GF and dairy free and sugar free, but so worth the trouble.

    Lisa in Flower Mound

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    1. Good catch! I somehow missed that question about the blender before. I haven't personally tried making macaroons like these in the blender, but I definitely think it's worth trying. {isn't anything worth trying at least once? ;) } ...I wouldn't pre-blend the coconut any, as I've got a feeling the blender would chop it up a bit more than a food processor, and you'll likely need to stop some to scrape down the sides in order to get a good mixture.

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    2. I had most of the ingredients, save for the coconut, which I bought last night. So I'll try it and let you know as soon as I make a batch in the blender. Thanks for the tips! ;-)

      Lisa

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    3. I made them without a food processor and then dehydrated them (in my oven overnight - which I had turned on low and then turned it off when I put the macaroons in). They turned out delicious. :)

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  29. LOVE this recipe, and one quick question: if I were to use agave syrup instead of maple syrup, would that work as well?

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    1. Hi there! Yes--you should be just fine with agave syrup. I think I would start with a bit less than the recipe calls for, and then taste test before forming the macaroons. Only because agave and maple syrup offer a different taste :)

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  30. WOW, these are awesome. So easy and sooooo yummy!!! I also added a little sea salt on top for fun and they taste unbelievable. Thank you for posting this recipe!

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  31. WOW, these are unbelievable!! So quick and easy. I in fact don't have a food processor (Yet) so I used my magic bullet and they taste amazing. I also sprinkled a little sea salt on top just for fun. Thanks for posting this recipe!!!

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  32. I've had the HM macaroons before, and loved them. Didn't love the price, though, and I don't even have any stores locally that sell them. I purchased them online. Anyways, was craving something fast and chocolatey, and remembered those. Googled and found this recipe, made it in about 3 minutes, chilled for a few minutes in the freezer, and they were perfect!! My family is thrilled, thanks so much. Also, to anyone who had issues w/these being runny, you have to use a cold pressed coconut oil. I know the store sells some that are liquid, and those will never solidify. Look for a jar that is solid white when on the shelf. It's solid when cool/cold, but does melt when warmed. Hope that helps. -CM

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  33. Thank you for posting this recipe. I just made these and they are super easy and YUMMY! I used unsweetened coconut and added agave(about 2tsp.) to sweeten it.

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  34. The CEO was extremely polite.

    I wouldn't have even called this recipe a hail mary copy-cat. My mother was making these (non-vegan, or with margarine that may have been) her entire life. How is this a copy-cat recipe? That's like saying vegan peanut butter cookies that you made without a recipe but that you've tasted from a brand-name are copy-cats--they aren't!

    Can't wait to whip them up myself, since Hail Mary doesn't exist in Canada, to my knowledge, and I've been looking to make my own version of the ones we sell at my workplace (which is a gas station, by the way).

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  35. Thank you. I'm going broke buying these. I need the blonde version since I can't get them here and I shouldn't eat chocolate.

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    1. You can find my blonde version here! :) http://www.dandelionsonthewall.com/2013/01/gluten-free-raw-vegan-vanillablonde.html

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  36. Christina thank you for a homemade version of a great snack. Also, I did not think Sarah at Hail Merry was anything but gracious.

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  37. Oh goshh!! looks delicious!! I am going straight to the kitchen to try this out!! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

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  38. Thank you thank you for sharing this recipe! A week later and I'm already on my 3rd round. I subbed pecan meal since I had it on hand in the vanilla, and 1.5 tbs of coconut flour when that ran out. For my work valentines day luncheon, I added a few strawberries to the batter, and drizzled white chocolate tinged pink with squeezed strawberry juice - if you like chocolate covered strawberries, these were amazing. My coworkers raved and raved over these -and I shared your website with them:).

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  39. I stopped reading after a few comments but am dissapointed in the allowance of such negativity when it is so uncalled for. I did not see or feel that Sarah was being rude. Both are coming from very realistic places in life one from a hard earned business place and the other from a do it yourself, beauty of your own kitchen place. Respect both of those vibes because we need them all in this world. And if you feel one or the other is trying to plant a negative seed it is up to you to be the bigger person and not sink to that level. Spread what you want to be surrounded with.

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  40. I love macaroons so I thought I'd give these a try. The blonde ones were excellent. The problem was when I entered it into my calorie counter. They are a great once a year kind of treat.

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  41. Anyone who took Sara's comment in a negative way should really think about not reading emotion into a typed comment (as it is a reflection of your own insecurity). It says on the title of the recipe- 'copy cat', so yes, this recipe is attempting to imitate an excellent product created by Hail Mary.In a way, is paying homage to those delicious macaroons (Hail Mary). Either way, I'll be trying my hand at this recipe and will continue to buy the Hail Mary brand. Kudos to the authors/ creators of this site for taking the time to post this recipe!

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  42. I am getting ready to make your macaroon recipes (Chocolate & Vanilla Blonde!!) I always look forward to flying Virgin America and getting the onboard snack that includes Hail Merry Choc Macaroons. Now I can make my own treats at home to enjoy anytime! Thank you for the recipes :)!!

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Thanks for your opinion, and for keeping things friendly! I aim to answer every question that is asked here on my blog, so feel free to leave your inquiries.

Please note that comments on posts older than five days require moderation. I do this so that I don't miss out on what you have to say! Nothing personal :)