2017 was a great year for me. It was the year that I chose to step outside of my comfort zone (my comfort zone is super small). I started this blog, I talked in front of crowds of people and I created a little world outside of my family - outside of parenting and being someone's partner. For an introverted, kinda unsocial person, it can be tough to find yourself again after starting a family. And usually, the person that you find has changed. 2017 was the year that I did it. I solidified my place in my world outside of my home.
The process was (and is) tough. It involved many bouts of hermit-ism. Staying put, closing my laptop, feeling scared and slipping back into old habits. Sugar.
For most of us, sugar begets sugar. You have it, you want more. The body craves more. The brain craves more. This is where I'm at right now. After a slow progression out of my usual mindful way of eating and moving, Christmas came and fully solidified my slip in the wrong direction.
Most of us are spending this day looking forward to making better choices in the new year and I am absolutely one of them! These macaroons are a great step. They've been adapted from a super sweet and indulgent recipe, which leaves them feeling like a treat. They're soft and chewy, high in good fats and fibre and contain just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for a quick bite when that old sugar craving hits.
New Years Resolution Chocolate Macaroons
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 6 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 3/4 cups oats (quick or rolled)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch sea salt
- Melt coconut oil in a medium to large sauce pan
- Stir in coconut milk, cacao powder and maple syrup
- Heat on low for about 5 mins, stirring constantly
- Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt
- Stir in oats, coconut flakes and hemp seeds
- Let the mixture cool in the pot for about 20 minutes
- Using your hands, scoop the dough and press into small, macaroon sized balls
- Place on a cookie tray lined with parchment or wax paper
- Refrigerate for about 3 hours (no baking!)
- Eat up! I like to store them in the fridge, but leaving a few out at room temp for a day or two is perfectly fine.
Enjoy!