We ended up getting quite the storm yesterday! One broken shovel and lots of soup and hot tea later, we can feel our limbs once again.
Then I tortured myself by looking up tropical vacations on Travel Zoo. I really need to stop doing that to myself.
Luckily, there are always Valentine’s Day goodies to look forward to.
If you care to see the rest of my Valentine’s Day recipes you can check out the Recipes page where I have grouped them together near the top. I recently added a Recipe of the Week feature on my Recipes page too.
I actually didn’t plan on making these No Bake Chocolate Macaroons at all.
I was trying to create my own macaroon recipe (baked in the oven) and they turned out very crumbly. Then the wheels got turning and I thought it would be fun to make a macaroon that required no baking (or dehydrating) at all. I have been doing the vegan baking and cooking thing for over a year and a half now and one thing I have discovered is that my recipes are often the result of a flop or unexpected result in the kitchen. I set off to bake one thing, and something else happens…it’s best just to roll with it.
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No Bake Chocolate Macaroons
Yield: 7 large Macaroons
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup whole grain spelt flour (or other flour minus ~1 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed (or regular sugar)* see note
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp Almond Milk (or other milk)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Melted chocolate or coconut for rolling the balls in (optional)
Directions:
1. In a medium sized bowl, mix the dry ingredients together (spelt flour, shredded coconut, sifted cocoa powder, sifted brown sugar, and kosher salt).
2. Add the melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
3. Grab some of the mixture and roll it into a ball in your hand. Repeat for the rest of the mixture. You can roll the Macaroons into more shredded coconut or dip them in melted chocolate if you like! I made 7 large Macaroons.
Note: Eric found the texture of the brown sugar was a bit ‘sandy’. If you think this would bother you, you could use regular white sugar, or even try dissolving the brown sugar in the coconut oil in the microwave.
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The no-bake spree continues!
They are ready in 5 minutes flat.
Gather your 8 ingredients.
Substitution questions:
- You can substitute the spelt flour for another kind of flour, but you may need to use less flour because spelt flour saturates more easily (maybe use 1 tbsp less of another kind of flour)
- You can substitute regular white sugar for brown sugar
- You can use any kind of milk you prefer (here I used chocolate Almond Milk)
- You might be able to get away with using a different oil, but the flavour will change…so don’t hate me if you don’t like it!
Sift the dry ingredients. Nobody wants a clump of bitter cocoa in their Macaroon. ;)
Mix dry + wet.
Roll into balls!
I loved rolling the Macaroons into coconut to finish them off. You need to press down quite hard for it to stick.
You can also dip them in melted chocolate and roll them into seeds or nuts.
The result is a no-bake chocolate macaroon with a lovely, authentic macaroon flavour. They are soft, so if you prefer some crunch, you could always add in some chopped nuts or crisp rice cereal to your liking.
Eric loved the taste, but he wasn’t crazy about the texture because he thought the brown sugar made the texture a bit ‘sandy’. You could probably prevent this by using regular white sugar or you could try dissolving the brown sugar into the coconut oil in the microwave. Personally, I didn’t mind the ‘sandy’ texture myself.
Store them in the fridge or freezer.
For the rest of my Valentine’s Day recipes, see here.
Good luck with the writing Ange! When your cookbook comes out I will SO be buying it! Right now I’m in a soup/stew phase, and recently finished a bit of a salad phase… but I miss them so I think I’ll be bringing them back next week! :)
Ooh, unique concept! These look totally different from macaroons that I’m used to, but I’m sure they are great!
I think I would be interested in a cookbook with recipes like these. I am really starting to cook a lot more adventurously since using cookbooks!
I am having the MOTHER of all eating phases. A love affair with oven roasted cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries dipped in a mixture of Coconut Butter and Maple Syrup.
I can’t stop. I am going to turn orange :)
That sounds like a piece of heaven!
I go through phases where I’m trying new recipes like crazy, then go through a period (usually when life gets a little bit hectic) where I eat the same 10 dishes constantly… :|
I love letting my creativity out in the kitchen though, it’s such a rewarding thing!
can’t wait to hear more about your book!! :)
Never write the introduction first! Or if you do, just know that it is just a starting point and not the actual introduction that will end up in the published version.
I have to stop looking at sandals resort pictures….. you’re not alone!
Starting a paper is always the hardest part. I am a history major, so I write a ton of papers. I am not always sure where my paper is going or how it will end up. It can change so easily based on one little thing you find out doing research.
So I always write my introduction last. Plus I write both the into and conclusion in a seperate word documetn so I can compare them next to each other. This way I know I am making the points that I want too.
I can’t wait for your cookbook! it is going to be amazing!!
Whoops – I should have read all the comments before posting mine!
Those look delish- definitely bookmarking :)
Starting a big project is hard- if I’m having trouble getting started, I usually just try to DO IT- get something, anything down. I tell myself it doesn’t have to perfect, I can change it later, it’s just to get the juices flowing. Turns out, the usual reason for me not starting- I’m scared it won’t be perfect. If you give yourself permission to be less than perfect the 1st go around, so much more gets accomplished!
I’m totally on a sweet potato or banana oatmeal pancake kick lately!!! I just can’t get enough of this breakfast treat!
I love writing. . . and I hate writing. Thank goodness writing is a component, but not the main component of my job! For research projects, and standard business projects, writing is so often formulaic, that the trick is to actually not “write it in your sleep”. . . I’m currently about to start a more interesting project for work — a monograph/white paper that has to argue certain security implications, and I will tell you how I’m organizing it (since I’m already over my head).
First, assemble a TEAM — find someone who will brainstorm with you, someone who can address technical issues, and someone who will work on editing. Writing is a pretty solitary task, but I think that we taught to believe a lie in most academic settings (until you get into the more adanced publishing realm) that you write “in a box.” Writing is iterative and collaborative. If you organize your writing around the key points (I like to start with 1 page that is a simple thesis/paragraph, supported by bullets with assumptions/facts/supporting themes — and then each of these can be worked out), you can then set up a series of meetings with others to discuss these points. I happen to find discussing what I’m writing very motivational. So I set up my meeting in adance, and write with the idea of having the teammate(s) review it. I find breaking it up this way much less intimidating, as you are working toward specific goals — and getting support along the way.
I can only agree with these tips!!!
The subject of my Master Thesis was quite theoretical as I developed a new concept. I was going crazy because I did not have a “real” applied project that would deliver input. Everything had to come from myself. So, I had to talk and discuss with others about ideas and thoughts all the time especially when working on a new aspect. Planning those brainstroming sessions could be very helpful. You could bring background people with different backgrounds to get different views.
When it comes to the getting started with a big project, I always need to breakt the task down into smaller ones. For example, making the basic chapter structure, or, when starting on a chapter, making bullet points with the main content and then start writing from that.
A big project can make me feel really anxious just because it’s so big! Breaking it down makes it more manageable for me.
Congrats on writig you book proposal! I hope your book will also be available in Germany :-)
I have been making everything baby friendly that doubles for our meal… last night made Black Bean Red Wheat Berry Vegetable Melody I just posted recipe on my blog perfect hearty one dish meal for these cool winter days… other fav right now cream of wheat/rye/flax cereal (red river) with banana chopped dates and a splash of almond milk talk about a reason to get up in the am!! I made something similar to your post today that I submitted for your valentines contest I baked mine tho :)
These look great! I’ve been following your blog for a while now but I never comment, I figured I might as well. I wish you luck with your proposal, you’re very talented so i’m sure it will be great! I will TOTALLY buy your cookbook when it comes out :)
I am loving all the no bake treats! Don’t stop…don’t turn on your oven….
You should come to California – it’s in the 60s and sunny! Who can tell it’s winter?!
Despite the unseasonably warm weather, I’m really into soups/stews/warm pots of things that make great leftovers. I’m just sort of lazy, and one pot meals are the best.
Also, when starting a huge project, especially with writing, a lot of times I’ll do a brief outline and then just start writing. Sometimes it takes some time (like a few pages) to get into the flow where the good stuff is.
Good luck with the cookbook proposal, you can do it! Just think of how thrilled you’ll be when it’s done!
Hey Angela,
I’ve done a lot of writing in the past, and I often feel the same fear – I want every word to be perfect, so I’m too scared to start writing. I combat this by just writing ANYTHING, even if I think it’s crap. I might start listing my points in bullet form, or just write down my thoughts as they occur to me. I find it’s much easier to edit from there, rather than expect yourself to start from scratch with the words already brilliantly formed.
I have that fear too…or I struggle with one sentence forever. Ive been having a pretty good flow today and I think that is because I just wrote whatever popped into my mind without JUDGMENT. Judgment can come later.
Wait – are you actually writing the book right now? Or the proposal?…Or the two combined?…this fascinates me – sorry ;)
Oh em gee! These look so good and they sound even better! I am adding them to my recipe list for my vegan challenge!!
These look divine!
In the winter, I love, love soups/stews with artisan bread drenched in coconut oil….YUM!!
My husband and I are loving your Ultimate Raisin Cookies. I have made it twice already. The curried lentil soup/red lentil curry are also awesome. Other than that I like simple things such as avocado on toast with hummus and parsnip and sweet potato fries. With a newborn I am all for quick and easy. Your cookbook will be awesome!!
Im pretty sure I eat avocado on toast every single day…hehe…with tomato paste and pepper too.
I’m a mixing bowl junkie/collector and I must say that I just adore your blue mixing bowls! They are so playful and fun and bright. The macaroons look good too!
Thank you!
I am a HUGE fan of no-bake anything! And if it involves chocolate and coconut, even better:) I love elegant, decadent food…it’s just that I dont have time to make long, complicated recipes and sometimes no-bake things taste just as good as the complicated things!
I make nobake macaroons too, I call them snowballs. Since rather than baking, I use the freezer to help them set up.
I love the way your recipe mind has been thinking lately :)
I definitely go through phases, AKA food ruts. I eat the exact same thing for awhile and then I can’t stand to look at it and jump onto my next love.
I’m surprised you’re not using that oven as much as possible with that cold cold weather!! I would be… Helps heat the place haha!!
Right now I’m obsessed with putting steamed broccoli in dishes! A few weeks ago it was lentil soup :)
Many people have said it already, but when I have a huge paper to do, I just have to sit and WRITE anything! If I stress out about an intro or what topic should go first, I’ll never get it done. So I sit and think, this is a good topic, and just type away… words flow after you get started!!
I know you’d think Id have the oven on 24/7 or something ;) Im a weird one!
Another winner !!! I definitely go through phases with food. Lately it has been salads – although I suspect that has more to do with the heat!
i’m a no-bake kind of gal too…these sound so yummy!
Ohh, these sound soo, soooo good!
These look so delicious.
Starting a project can be so hard! BUT you are one TALENTED writer and cook/baker, so I know it will come to you! =] Can’t wait for that cookbook!! It’s going to be amazing!
I love anything coconut so those look amazing! :-)
Your pictures are amazing lately!!!!! they were always great, but now, WOW :) I love the ones where you have all the ingredients in your measuring cups, etc in one shot. great work!
ps – I am going to make these for hubby for our first valentine’s day being married. *bookmark* now :)
Thank you tara :)
These look delicious! I have had a chocolate craving all day and these might be the PERFECT fix!
I’ve been in the midst of starting a large project all week. The strategy that helped me the most was a combination of: caffeine in the form of strong coffee (I love coffee but don’t drink it all that often–I think it signaled a symbolic transition to working on the project), loud music and just writing about anything related to the subject. Once I started to write, it all got a lot easier.
Good luck, and I’m looking forward to your book!
These look amazing!! I’ve been craving chocolate and i’ve also been on a huge coconut kick lately so these are perfect!!! And there’s no baking involved!! :-)
I made no bake dark choc macaroons over Christmas! They’re so simple and delicious, huh? :)
Coconut and chocolate are one of the best combinations:) Thank you!! I love macaroons, and I have all these ingredients on hand!
I totally hear you on torturing yourself with travel websites. It’s so fun to see the tropical beaches and warm getaways, but then sad if there’s no vacation in the cards!
I love your no-bake kick. And I think I have all these ingredients at home, so it should be easy to try.
Good luck with starting to write. Sometimes I find that writing something daunting like an Introduction is often done best if it’s done last! After all, you may not be able to fully articulate the themes of your book until after you’re done writing most of the content. I can’t wait to buy it! :)
I think its fine to be on a kick with something. You have me stuck on your hummus recipe right now! My boyfriend LOVES your hummus so much that I have to make a HUGE batch each week! I have gone through 2 tahini jars over a 2 month period. Before this, I kept my tahini for over a year!! Haha. I think its OK because its delicious and its one of the only “bean” dishes he’ll eat. He’ll always ask me if its healthy, and when I tell him yes, he smiles :) Maybe I should make him the hummus soup you posted a few days ago!
On beginning a large project, starting is the hardest part. Once you get into something and you are enjoying it, it becomes much more fluid. I am a runner, and I find that starting up training again is tough. However, as time goes by (I make up a schedule of training similar to your and try to stick to it as close as possible, increasing mileage as time goes on) it becomes easy, effortless, and incredibly enjoyable. Share your passion with others and ask for feedback and advice! This keeps the spirit of the goal alive :)
I wish you the best of luck with your book proposal! I’ve been an avid reader for awhile and am so excited about the possibility of an Oh She Glows book. I know you will do wonderfully as your creativity always shines through! All you have to do is believe in yourself :).
I definitely go through food phases, too. Currently I’m obsessed with stir-fries and roasted squash (but really, I’m ALWAYS obsessed with roasted squash). There’s something so comforting about a large bowl of warm veggies sauteed in fresh ginger (perfect for warming me up in the winter) and various spices. Yummy!
Have a lovely day!
xox
Those look WAY delicious and easy. Microwave friendly is a HUGE plus in my book!
I totally feel for you with the whole getting started thing, BUT congratulations and keep up the hard work with your cookbook! Don’t doubt yourself. :D
And food phases…? I’m on a huge oatmeal with banana & almond butter kick.
Ok I’ve been putting off buying coconut oil because of the price, but I think I need to buy it JUST so I can make these!
As for starting big projects, it’s always easier if I set a reward for myself for when I finish it. ;)
Hi Angela:
See this link to Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts”, it was recommended by my first year undergrad English teacher and it might help!:
http://www.orcutt.net/othercontent/sfds.pdf
Right now I’m on a homemade soup kick. A big batch sees two of us almost through the week as part of our lunches. Last week it was a vegetable, cannelini bean, and rosemary soup, this week a carrot, red pepper and dill soup. Yum!
Thanks for all the effort you put into your blog.
Love the link you sent! I love this quote too: ‘A friend of
mine says that the first draft is the down draft — you just get it down. The second
draft is the up draft — you fix it up. You try to say what you have to say more
accurately. And the third draft is the dental draft, where you check every tooth, to
see if it’s loose or cramped or decayed…’
Yes, I like that quote too. I’m in the middle of trying to get the ‘down draft’ done on the first chapter of my Master’s thesis…it helps a lot to feel free to just spew it all out to start!
These looks so delicious!! Is there anything that can be used to substitute for coconut oil?
Can’t wait to make them!
I love your recipes. I bring them to family events all the time. I can’t wait for your book to come out because I’m tired of my ugly grey binder with all the printed recipes rather then a nice cover, also the step by step photos are awesome and I can’t print color well. I hate getting through and not knowing if I’m doing it right. Yes I go through phases, its a muffin phase now. Apple cinnamon, orange cranberry, maple and museli, berry, corn, all week its been lots of muffins.
Have you tried the timer method? You set a timer (10min, 20min etc.) and do whatever you need to do for that time and when it goes off go take a break. My husband loves Getting Things Done, its supposed to be good for breaking down small projects.
Sorry for the longest comment ever, but have you considered doing the Vegetarian food festival in Boston, MA? It says vegetarian but its mostly vegan companies, restaurants and products.
Thanks for reminding me of the timer method!
I haven’t heard of the Boston Veg fair, but there is one here in Toronto which I believe is the biggest in North America.
thats so great that you are finally writing a cookbook! i have always thought you should, every recipe i try of yours comes out amazing!
The snow looks so pretty! You might think I’m crazy, but I miss snow! I’m sure you’d be cool with sending me some, right? Haha :)
Hi Angela, This has nothing to do with the most recent post, but there was an open-faced sandwich that you used to make with hummus, blackbeans, cucumber… Can you remember what was all on that sandwich? I can’t find it anywhere in your archives and it was delicious!!
Thanks,
Cristal
Pure genius (as always)! These sounds absolutely fabulous.
Beautiful! I’ve been looking for more recipes to use my brand-new coconut oil in! Hurrah!
Me and my 8 year old daughter made these in 6 minutes flat! My daughter was so happy that she could share these with her friend (who is vegan) who is coming tomorrow for a playdate.
What a great project for us all to do again tomorrow!
thanks so much for a quick and yummy idea. Mommies appreciate such things!
Hi Andrea, That is great to hear. :) I’m glad that they were as easy to whip up as I thought!
WHY IS EVERYONE POSTING ABOUT CHOCOLATE!? I have been without chocolate for days and I’m dying! We were snowed in and tomorrow is the day but seriously, you’re killing me.
haha I hope you can get your chocolate today!
Oh my gosh, so much snow!
I would just coop up and eat that whole batch if I were you :)