Every time I go home during a break from school, I always come back with loads of fresh groceries – all thanks to my generous parents! Growing up, my parents did an incredible job of allowing me to explore in the kitchen and introduced to me at a young age the different varieties of fresh produce available. We had our own garden and I remember my dad bringing in fresh watermelon every summer. Watermelon is good obviously in itself, but oh my goodness, fresh watermelon right from your garden is such a treat! I feel incredibly blessed to have such a strong and supportive family that shares the same interests as I do.

After coming back to school from Easter last weekend, I realized my mom had tucked in a giant head of cauliflower into my grocery bag. I love pretty much all vegetables, but I have always preferred broccoli over cauliflower. Maybe it was because broccoli looked like trees to me, and as a kid and that amused me. Okay, it actually still does! C’mon, I know you’re with me on this one – doesn’t broccoli look like trees?

I’m definitely not one to advocate cutting anything out of your diet because I personally think that all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle. But truth is, I have to admit that I’m not too much of a bread eater.

I know, you’re probably looking at me like, ”what is wrong with you because the bread bowls at Panera Bread is a fluffy pillow of heaven” – but I’ve always found myself reaching for other things when I want carbs [like fruit, oatmeal, or a big ole sweet potato]. That, and I’ve always had a sensitive stomach –  so every time I do eat wheat products, my stomach gets a little angry with me. [an upcoming post about my stomach sensitivities coming soon!]

Nonetheless, that has never stopped me from giving my avocado toasts lots of lovin.’ Or a classic banana and almond butter combination. Seriously, is there any better of toast combinations than those?

What do you do when you need to use up a bunch of super ripe produce in your fridge?

Make a batch salad.

There are many variations of this out there, but this is just what I threw together based purely off what I had in my kitchen. The beauty in “cooking” is that you can easily toss anything together and call it today. Which is my kind of cooking! Yes, I’m pretty lazy. But you knew that already.

Alright, confessions from this coconut crazed lady time. You know those completely addicting Snakaroons? Or Coco-roons? The kind with coconut and stuff? Though they are INCREDIBLY tasty [ let’s face it – no one can turn down macaroons] , it is currently classified in my mind under the list of things that are toooo good. By that I mean good for my soul, bad for my wallet [ College kid problems. Or rather, college senior that is about to graduate soon problems.]

So in celebration for my love of coconut, macaroons, and not wanting to pour my wallet’s contents towards these delicious treats, I decided to whip some up of my own. And I dipped them in peanut butter. You’re welcome.

Peanut Butter Dipped Coconut “Macaroons”

1.5 cups unsweetened coconut shreds
2 tbsp oat flour
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
2 egg whites
2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1.5 tbsp maple syrup (or agave/ honey/ choice of liquid sweetener)

Extra garnish:
Cacao nibs (optional)

Peanut Butter dip – (2 options):
Option 1:
4 tbsp of peanut  butter of choice, melted + 1 tsp vanilla extract

Option 2:
1/4 cup peanut flour
10 drops liquid stevia
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp melted coconut oil

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325F.

Mix coconut, oat flour, vanilla extract, egg whites, and applesauce together. Form dough and roll into a ball or macaroon shape. Makes around 12 – 13 macaroons.

Spray a baking sheet [I used coconut oil] and baked macaroons for for 23-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow for macaroon to cool completely.

For PB option 1, simply melt peanut butter and dip macaroons in before serving. Sprinkle with cacao nibs for extra texture!

For PB option 2:
Melt coconut oil and combine together with peanut flour, vanilla extract, and stevia. Dip macaroons into the “sauce” and allow to set before serving. Sprinkle with cacao nibs for extra texture!