Klara's Gourmet Cookies: Macaroons!

I love Coconut Macaroons! Yet not all coconut macaroons are created the same. They come in many different sizes, textures, and tastes. The macaroons pictured above are exceptional, some of the best I have ever had.

First, they are small and bite-sized, almost like a Dunkin' Donuts Munchkin. Second, they have a crisp, crunchy exterior that leads to a very moist interior, just the right balance of textures. And the taste is absolutely delicious, that rich coconut flavor that pleases the senses. They are addictive and you want to just pop one after another in your mouth, until you realize you have eaten a dozen or more. Plus, they have chocolate flavored ones which are equally as good.

Fortunately, these macaroons are locally available, though only for a limited time. But, there will be other ways to purchase these macaroons once they are not as readily available. For now, you should stop by the South End Open Market on Sundays.

While wandering the Market, seek out Klara's Gourmet Cookies for the macaroons, as well as other cookies. Klara Sotonova (pictured above) was born in Czechoslovakia and came to the U.S. when she was 19 years old, hoping to own her own business. She has accomplished that goal, relying on Czech baking traditions passed down from her grandmother to produce a variety of delicious cookies. Klara is very nice and personable, a small business-owner who deserves support.

Klara's store is located in Lee, which is near the border of New York so she certainly makes a long trek to the South End Market. Her cookies are available elsewhere, in stores in Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lenox, Pittsfield and Williamstown, but those are not local to the Boston area. So your main chance to get her cookies is at the Market.

She sells quite a diversity of cookies including Chocolate Walnut Shortbread, Honey Glazed Hazelnut Kolache, Chocolate Almond Tea, Bohemian Coconut Macaroons, Vanilla Walnut Crescents, Linzer Cookies, Mini Chocolate Almond Tortes, Mini Chocolate Coconut Tortes, and Mini Hazelnut Tortes. Not all of those flavors are available at the Market though.

You can taste the cookies at the Market before buying them and I bet you really enjoy the macaroons. I have liked all of the cookies I have sampled, though the macaroons are my favorites. The cookies are reasonably priced, small bags for $3 and large bags for $7, with discounts if you buy two or more bags.

Once the Market closes for the season, or if you can't make it to the Market, you can order the cookies from Klara's website. They ship all over the country. The cookies are generally available in one, two and three pound tins, and prices vary dependent on the cookie. Once the Market closes, I will have to place my own order to obtain my macaroon fix.

If you stop by and try the macaroons, please tell me what you think.

Klara's Gourmet Cookies
18 Railroad Street
Lee, MA 01238
Phone 413-243-3370