Up until about a month ago, I had never heard of coconut butter. I have used coconut oil for some time, but the butter had eluded me. I wondered if there was much of a difference between the two, and come to find out, there is! Coconut butter is made from the whole meat of the coconut, while the oil is pressed out of the meat. Coconut oil turns liquid when melted, but the coconut butter turns into a smooth, creamy consistency. After more research, I am finding that many health fanatics consider coconut butter a superfood. Why?
• It is packed with healthy fats
• It supports thyroid and metabolism function in the body
• It strengthens the liver
• It is full of amino acids, calcium and magnesium
Coconut butter is so versatile too! It's amazing how many different ways you can incorporate it into your recipes! Use it as a spread, drizzled over fruit, added to smoothies, mix into oatmeal, add to curries and soups, sauté shrimp or scallops, use in baking, or my personal favorite- Eat it straight from the jar!
I recently received some coconut butters from Essentially Coconut to try.
As soon as I opened the shipping box, I was overwhelmed with an amazing scent of sweet goodness. I opened the jars to get a feel for what exactly this coconut butter is. It was packed tightly in the jar, and upon using a spoon to scoop it out, I found it a bit crumbly. So, I popped the jar into the microwave for 20 seconds to soften it up a bit, then my spoon slid right in. As soon as the spoon passed my lips, it was love at first bite, leaving me wondering "where have you been all my life!?"
As a mom, I am really drawn to the Essentially Coconut line of Coconut Butters. After reading about its humble beginnings, I feel drawn to support another mother who took a passion of hers and turned it into a thriving, and delicious business. Experimenting with different nuts in the kitchen led to 4 amazing coconut butter flavors:
Sweet Almond
Honey Pecan
Creamy Cashew
Original
I started wondering what kind of recipe I could make with it, which led me to Pinterest and Google for inspiration. I was only coming up with Paleo recipes, but since I don't follow that diet, the recipes sounded a bit complex, calling for ingredients I don't keep on hand. So, I improvised with what I did have in the pantry and came up with these super tasty and addicting 3 Layer Coconut Butter Cups.
Ingredients
1st layer:
12 ounces dark baking chocolate
2nd layer:
1 cup graham crackers
1/2 cup butter
3rd layer:
1/2 cup Essentially Coconut Sweet Almond Coconut Butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
Directions
Lightly spray 12 paper muffin cups with cooking spray.
Break chocolate into pieces, and melt in a double broiler, or on the stove in a metal bowl placed over simmering water. Spoon 1 tablespoon into bottom of baking cups. Place in refrigerator to set, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs. Melt butter; stir into graham crumbs until they are moist. Place 1 tablespoon graham mixture over set chocolate, gently pressing down with fingers to pack it tight.
Place coconut butter in a medium bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds, or until butter is soft.
Place coconut oil in a separate bowl, and microwave 30 seconds, or until completely melted. Whisk into the softened coconut butter, until completely combined.
Pour 1 tablespoon over graham crumbs.
Return to refrigerator to set, about 20 minutes.
Top with slivered almonds, chocolate chips, or other chopped nuts if desired.
Serve.
Essentially Coconut Coconut Butter is currently available to purchase in 12 ounce jars, for $12 each. If you would like to learn more about Essentially Coconut Butters, be sure to visit www.essentiallycoconut.com.
WIN IT!
One lucky Theresa's Mixed Nuts reader is going to win Essentially Coconut! Winner will receive (1) 12 ounce jar of Honey Pecan, (1) 12 ounce jar Sweet Almond, and (1) 4 ounce jar Original.
Giveaway is open to U.S., 18+. NO PO Boxes will be accepted. The giveaway will run through 2/28/15. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be selected.
**All entries are verified. Please make sure you are following all task guidelines you claim entries for. Failure to do so will result in your entries being removed from the form.
Have you eaten coconut butter before? Which flavor would you most like to try?
