Raw Almond Cherry Macaroons
Coconut oil has suffered from a bad rap for years. But truth be told, it is thought to be the healthiest oil there is and a great addition to your raw food diet. The benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. It is so healthy that it is said to help prevent bacterial, viral and fungal diseases, support your immune system, support healthy metabolic function, improve digestion, support weight loss, and give you an immediate source of energy. It’s properties are antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.
But, you say, I thought coconut oil was bad for me? That outdated information is based on a study that was done over 40 years ago. The original study was done on coconut oil that had been altered making it devoid of all essential fatty acids. But more current studies have shown that unaltered coconut oil, once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known as unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. Here is a great way to enjoy your coconut oil!
Almond Cherry Macaroons
MAKES APPROXIMATELY 2 DOZEN
- 2 cups dried coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup almonds, processed into a coarse meal
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup agave
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (cold pressed virgin)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract*
- Place almonds in food processor and process until a coarse meal texture is achieved.
- Add coconut, dried cherries, coconut oil agave and extract*. Process until mixture starts to hold together.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture out and press into a ball.
- Place on dehydrator sheets and dehydrate until desired consistency is achieved. 8 – 10 hours. I like them dry on the outside but still a little soft on the inside!
*The almond extract is not considered a raw food but adds a beautiful punch if you like.
Therese wrote on February 28, 2010
This looks great. I am always on a hunt for cookies like this. I am a road biker and just can’t stand this expensive power bars, to sweet and who knows what is in there. But all the recipes I see I can make easy and take this on my long rides. I guess I have to upgrate my dehydrater LOL, now my biker friends wants some too…
Christine wrote on December 17, 2009
I made these and they are amazing. The almond extract gives it a beautiful flavour with the cherries. Thanks!
Twinkle wrote on August 27, 2009
Sorry. I’m not a raw foods person but I love this recipe. The recipes I read default to sweetened and only explicitly spell it out when it’s unsweetened, but I thought that’s what you meant. I’ve been wanting a dehydrator but will try carefully doing them in the oven since I don’t care about the rawness. Thanks!
Twinkle wrote on August 27, 2009
Hey! I don’t have a dehydrator. How do I dehydrate these? Also is it sweetened or unsweetened coconut? Thanks!
Susan wrote on August 27, 2009
As stated in the recipe…unsweetened. You can find dried, unsweetened coconut in bulk at your coop. As to the dehydrator question, that is a little tough. In raw, we don’t want the temp to go over 116. I think that the oven’s lowest temp is 200. Anyone have any suggestions? There are inexpensive dehydrators out there that you can get a hold of. Check Ebay but make sure they have a temp control.
Joanna Rawvelous wrote on June 23, 2009
Hey honey! Do I need to soak the almonds for this to work??
Susan wrote on June 23, 2009
No you sure don’t!!!
Debbie wrote on March 16, 2009
I am going to try making this with my almond milk pulp leftovers.. stay tuned. And I think I will not use cherries, maybe chopped figs. Can you tell I am trying to impress my 7 year old??
deb xoxo
wind4me wrote on February 23, 2009
I am ready to eat some, I want the real thing vs some pictures!!! Lets Bake!!!
alecia wrote on February 23, 2009
hello! your website is lovely and the recipes look delicious.
i have a question: i am allergic to wheat/gluten. do you have a suggestion for what to use in place of wheatberries for crackers?
thank you!
Heather wrote on February 23, 2009
YUM! I’m a huge fan of coconut, and these look fantastic! You have a wonderful talent for capturing the beauty of food as well. Gorgeous photos!
-Heather