Spending nearly a week back in the U.P. of Michigan was so dreamy! There was even a freak beach day, which I haven't gotten to experience this summer on Lake Superior.
While I was in Michigan, my pregnant younger sister mentioned she was trying to eat more coconut oil. Since that's something I'd like to eat more of myself, I decided to create a quick and delicious recipe that's loaded with healthy fats, but still satisfies a sweet tooth.
Even as a kid, I adored Almond Joy candy bars which tended to be favored more by adults than kids. So I knew it was essential to recreate that classic flavor. On the other side, I wanted something light, fruity, and a little tropical, so I made a lime version.
I had two of these after shooting them and one hour later, my belly is still full and happy. Good fats will do that to you!
If you only want to make one version, just double up the flavorings for that version and omit the others.
Almond Joy Macaroons & Lime Macaroons (No-Bake)
Yield: 18-20
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup soft, but not melted coconut oil (unrefined)
1 tablespoon honey
For Almond Joy Macaroons (double the ingredients if not making lime version):
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10-15 raw almonds
1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate
1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter
For Lime Macaroons (double the ingredients if not making Almond Joy version):
Zest and juice from 1 lime
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, stir together the coconut, coconut oil, and honey with a fork until fully blended.
If making both flavors, place half of the mixture in a small bowl. Add vanilla extract to one of the bowls and stir. Add lime zest and juice to the other bowl and stir to combine.
Place tablespoon-sized scoops of coconut on the parchment-lined pan and place in the freezer for 5 minutes to harden.
Insert an almond (pointed side first) into the middle of the Almond Joy macaroons.
Melt chocolate over very low heat with the butter and drizzle over the almond macaroons.
Keep refrigerated to prevent melting.
I did not like coconut as a kids. The Almond Joys were always tossed aside. Now as an adult, I cannot get enough coconut! These are marvelous Loretta!
ReplyDeleteI think the part that freaked me out about coconut was the fact that it was crunchy, but not really. You know what I mean? Sort of that in between texture...Not good! But now, I'm with you!
DeleteThese look wonderful Loretta! The idea of the coconut and lime sounds just divine on a hot day, whereas the almond joys... well, they need no further explanation. Yum yum yum! Definitely trying these soon. I love healthy bites that are deliciously indulgent too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura! It can be a struggle sometimes to figure out healthy and quick snack recipes (at least for me), so anything that fits the bill, I'm all over it!
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ReplyDeleteSince my oven is still broken, your macaroons already got me because they are no-bake! But I also love the flavor or coconut especially with chocolate! All this sounds yummy!
Thanks
Aren't the best recipes really the ones that don't involve much work (or is that just me?!) Thanks for stopping by, Eva! And I hope your oven is fixed soon :)
DeleteI have made a variety of macaroon recipes but never a no-bake recipe! I am excited to try this. With no flour and so little sweetener, this recipe is also great for people who need to avoid carbs and gluten! Thanks, Loretta!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Wendy! It's nice having a 'snack' on hand that I feel good about feeding my daughter. I've never had homemade macaroons, but I bet yours were delish :)
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