The desire for change is strong, this need to explore and grow roots somewhere that will make the next stage of our lives fall into place. Eric and I are searching and questioning where that should be. Maybe it’s the process of searching that makes life fulfilling; the constant quest to grow, explore, and see more of the world. To make more of an impact and step outside of our comfort zone. Or maybe it’s the opposite – feeling content wherever you are and loving it anyway.
Moving is by no means a foreign concept to me. Growing up, my family moved around a lot due to my dad’s ever changing jobs and I often wonder if that’s why I have a personality that loves to be in constant motion. The first 4 years of my life were spent in Riverview, New Brunswick living and breathing everything that snow forts and a snowsuit could offer.
From New Brunswick, we ventured to Florida (Oldsmar and Palm Harbor) to North Carolina (Charlotte) to Georgia (Woodstock) to Ontario (Cambridge) back to New Brunswick (Riverview) and finally back to Ontario (Milton, Guelph, Toronto, Milton, Oakville). Each move brought about a lot of anxiety, but it also promised adventure, new experiences, and new friends. In my case, it also resulted in a strange mixture of accents, or at least that’s what my friends told me. The Maritimer with the southern accent! She talks funny!
When we sold our house and moved last spring, we decided to rent for the time being because we had no idea where we wanted to buy. Well, we still have no solid idea. It’s probably safe to stick around nearby, but something seems to be nudging us to explore other parts of Canada and beyond. Do we take the leap and try something new or do we stick with what feels safe and familiar? Whether we end up making a big move is yet to be seen, but we’re keeping our eyes open, evaluating options, and listening to our hearts. In the meantime, we’re trying to appreciate life right now as directionless and unsettled as it may seem at times. Really, what else can you do?
I found myself with a macaroon craving this weekend, but the thought of turning on the oven just didn’t appeal to me after a marathon cupboard clean-out session earlier that day. Maybe it’s because spring is just a couple days away (can you believe it?), but I’ve been looking to get outside more and enjoy simpler foods. Well when the sun is shining, that is.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit tired of winter produce. It’s a bit like how I feel about pumpkin at the end of November. I don’t want to even look at it. So I couldn’t bring myself to peel the darn butternut squash that’s been sitting on the counter for way too long. Maybe in a few days, I tell the squash. For now, chocolate seems like a good alternative to peeling squash as I eagerly await spring produce. Even better if I can throw it into the freezer and head outside for a brisk walk.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
No Bake Chocolate Macaroons
Yield
12 macaroons
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Chill time
20
Total time
Fast & easy macaroons! All the taste without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, finely mashed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)*
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
- 1.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- small pinch of fine grain sea salt, to taste
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, mash the banana until most of the clumps are gone. Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until combined. Now stir in the coconut, optional chia seeds, and fine grain sea salt to taste.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat. Using a spoon or retractable ice cream scooper, scoop rounds onto the sheet. Place sheet in the freezer for around 20 minutes, or until macaroons are firm. Store in the freezer until ready to enjoy. They will soften at room temperature.
Tip:
Note: 1/4 cup pure maple syrup results in a lightly sweet macaroon. Feel free to adjust the sweetener to your own taste buds, especially because some cocoa powders may be stronger than others.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
I believe we were both on our third macaroon when this picture was taken. Thankfully it’s blurred or you would’ve witnessed chocolate spread all over my mouth and face. That’s the sign of a good dessert!
Oh! wow! can’t wait to make these! specially when I have all the ingredients in my kitchen. Do you think I could use frozen coconut though?
Thanks :)
You should move to Clarenville, Newfoundland! A thriving community of approx 5,000 people that services a greater business area of 40,000. Everything you need is here! And if not, St. John’s “the big city” is only 180 km away! We are a small, proud town that would welcome you and your husband with open arms :)
You are such a sweetie! I’ve never been to Newfoundland but it’s def. on my list of places to travel :)
Just made these and they turned out pretty good. Not overly sweet. I had used one vanilla bean but wish I’d used more or some extract. Very good for my mostly sugar free house.
i live in Riverview, NB and would love for you to move back here so you can hire me as a taste tester!! :)
As much as I love Oakville/Burlington, it never really changes. I don’t blame you for getting the itch to move! I’m actually moving back to Burlington in April and I’m hoping my internship will keep me busy enough that I don’t get too bored!
These look lovely, I’ve been craving macaroons lately myself :) and what could be more convenient than a no-bake recipe! Can’t wait to try.
It’s so CRAZY to see all the places you’ve lived. When did you live in Woodstock, GA? I lived there for 6 years and went to Woodstock HS. To be honest, it’s not my favorite place in the world (I live in California now) and certainly not veg-friendly.
Hey Kristen, I think I was 7 and 8 years old when I lived there for 2 years. I’m sure it’s changed so much since I’ve been!
These are beautiful, Angela! I definitely understand not wanting to turn off the oven sometimes. The chia seeds in these sound great. I’m going to have to make some the next time a snack craving hits!
I just made these and you should rename them Amazeballs! Next time I’m gonna experiment and maybe add some cayenne or orange oil or almond….so many possibilties! Thank you!
These look so good!! You always amaze me with what you come up with!
Oh Angela – these look so super yummy!
And about moving around a bunch, I’ve moved 10 times in the past 10 years. Every single of the first 9 moves were all in Southwestern Ontario… the 10th move being to Southern California. It’s exciting but stressful – it’s hard to tell where the wind will take you =)
I really like how you have been including the nutritional stats for your recipes. Thanks for taking the extra time to do this.
Cambridge, Ontario?! Heck, we probably were neighbors, since I lived there until about seven years ago. As for moving, we’re heading for PEI, to a 40 acre farm. Bought it three years ago and have been renting it. It’s time to sell here and go! Nope, don’t know anybody there but it’s what the budget allowed and the dogs will LOVE it!!
Yummy cookies – now I know what to do with that one lone and over ripe banana sitting so forlorn on the kitchen counter. (Chocolate is good for night shifts)
That sounds amazing – I love PEI. Have fun!
I just have to ask if you have any substitution ideas for the banana? I’m allergic, but otherwise these sound heavenly!
Hi Claire, The banana sweetens lightly and also adds a bit of volume to the batter, but I would expect they’d still turn out if you left out the banana.
Why stay in Canada?? If your thinking of moving you could leave the country. Spain is really cheap, ;) If you have got the itch get rid of your junk and move somewhere you wouldnt expect (PEI maybe?) Im Canadian and after living in Saudi Arabia with my family for a few years I moved to London (UK) for a couple years, did a stint in Germany and found my home in Tuscany Italy. Sadly Italy is in bad shape right now and because I didnt want to live under a communist regime I picked up and moved to cheap cheap Spain. Three Bedroom house, Two Bathrooms, Swimming pool, huge yard, more sun then you can handle and a view of the mediterranean. All that and more for less rent then I paid for a tiny one bedroom flat in Florence Italy. I say if you have the itch stop thinking about it cause you will always find a reason not to scratch it. Grab life by the horns and take a risk, home will always be there when you need it. Or! If you want a holiday we have a guest bedroom and bath you can use if you want a stop in Spain. My husband and I are always hosting people we dont really know cause we love to host guest (hence the extra bedroom and bath!). I have gotten so much from your site (Im not vegan or even vegitarian but I love your recipes non the less) I would be delighted to return the favor! What ever you two decide good luck!!!
As someone who also moved around a lot in her life (Ontario, small town Saskatchewan, back to Ontario, back to Saskatchewan, currently Toronto), I understand your craving for constant movement. This is the longest we’re stayed in one living space and,I find myself drawn to either traveling or moving somewhere (I blame the warmer weather). Right now I would settle to move closer to work, since my current commute is exhausting! :)
PS: Your macaroons look delicious! I never thought to use an ice cream scoop.
Moving is stressful while you are in the process of it but usually provides great experiences and memories. My husband, I and our 2 little boys took the leap 1.5 years ago to leave Toronto and move to Australia. It has been an incredible experience and sadly it is time to go back soon. Initially we were looking to move to the Vancouver area when an Australia opportunity came up. Being so far away from family though made us realize that we belong back in Ontario (not Vancouver). We will be looking to live in the Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/Fergus area once we get back (we need to figure out what we like best!)
Hi Angela,
These sound amazing! I was just wondering if you could substitute cacao for the cocoa powder and if so, what do you think the measurement would be? The reason I ask is because I have all the ingredients in my house besides the cocoa, but I do have cacao and want to try this recipe ASAP :-)
Thanks so much for all these awesome recipes!
Oh yum!! I love coconut. Have you every tried making coconut “bacon”? So yummy!
Home (in Oakville too) with a sick, chocolate-loving toddler & just mixed these up. Didn’t have coconut oil so tried cashew almond butter. Batter tastes great. We’ll see how they firm up. Thanks, and good luck working out your wanderlust!
Hey Anna, Please let me know how they turned out with the cashew butter! Enjoy