Benefits of Coconut Oil.

If you  haven't tried cooking with coconut oil, let me tell you what you are missing!  Coconut oil has many health benefits.  It is great for maintaining cholesterol levels, helping with weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and increased metabolism.  It helps kidney function, heart disease and high blood pressure.  It has been shown to help people with diabetes, HIV and Cancer.  It helps our bodies absorb minerals which can directly help bone strength.  It is also great for our skin and hair!!

The benefits of coconut oil is due to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid.  It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties.  

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and doesn't melt until 76-78 degrees Farenheit.  Do not store it in the refrigerator.  Coconut oil is great for high heat as the health benefits of the oil do not change as it is heated.  

I love making popcorn on the stove with coconut oil.  It gives the popcorn a delicious taste that does not need addition of butter.  I'm a huge lover of coconut and have a  recipes to share with you!

Almond Joys

1 1/2 cup 72% or higher cacao dark chocolate

1/2 c coconut oil

1 T sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

1 tsp coconut extract

30 almonds

Microwave chocolate 30 seconds stir and repeat until melted.  You can line a muffin tin with paper liners or use silicon muffin tins.(the chocolate will pop right out no paper liner needed)  Line the bottom of each one with just enough chocolate to cover the bottom and up the sides slightly.  Place in fridge until it hardens.  Mix coconut oil, sugar, coconut and extract with mixer about 2 minutes.  Put equal amounts in each section, put 5 almonds on top of that then top with remaining chocolate.  Put in refrigerator until hardened.  Enjoy!!!  

If you prefer smaller bite size pieces, you can make with mini muffin tins and put one almond in each.

Yes, there is one missing from the pan!  So YUMMY!!

Blessings,

j