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.
 
No Bake Chocolate Macaroons
Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, grain-free
Email, text, or print this recipe
Yield: 12 macaroons
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
1. 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.
2. Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until combined. Now stir in the coconut, optional chia seeds, and fine grain sea salt to taste.
3. 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.
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.
For nutritional info, see here.
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!
Looks amazing, can’t wait to try! As for your move, I’d have to put in a plug for Halifax, Nova Scotia – a beautiful part of the country, with a vegetarian community that would love to host your amazing food!
I second Halifax! It’s wonderful :)
I just moved to Halifax, so I’ll third it! ;)
Third that motion! Haha
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Halifax before (maybe when I was a little girl?), but I need to plan a visit next time I’m in the area. I always hear great things about it!
If you do, definitely hit up Wooden Monkey and Heartwood – such good food!
Oh and Sweet Hereafter on Quinpool Road has vegan cheesecake EVERY DAY. I live too close to there for my own good :)
sounds like a whole lotta vegan trouble! hah. Thanks for the tips.
Yum!! I love macaroons as this no bake recipe sounds super easy!!
This sounds amazing! Do you think it would work just as well with raw cacao powder?
I can’t see why not…maybe start off with a bit less (4T?) and add the rest to taste.
If you like the taste of raw cacao powder, it will definitelly work! =)
Thank you both! Will make and report back :-)
I know wherever you guys end up, you will have amazing adventures in your life. I say put up a map and throw a dart. How’s THAT for spontaneity?! :-)
But in the meantime, macaroons work! *grin*
This is one of those recipes I equally love/hate you for at the same time.
Especially when I’m hormonal and have all the ingredients on hand right now to make these immediately.
I can vouch for the fact that this was a hormonal creation. ;)
I am a big fan of “leap and the net will appear” rather than staying “safe and secure” – every time I’ve taken a leap of faith, it’s paid off- or at the very least, I’ve learned something valuable.
My husband always reminds me that we can change our minds at any time- if we don’t like where we’re living, we can pick up and move easily.
Best of luck, Angela!!
I love that saying! Thanks for passing it along.
Could you substitute agave nectar for the syrup? Would you use less or more then? I ask only b/c I have a ton of agave nectar and no maple syrup in the house.. Thanks!
Yes I think that would work just fine! Agave is a bit sweeter than maple syrup spoon for spoon, so I’d probably think 3T would work fine. Add it to taste and you can’t go wrong.
Thanks, these look yummy, and perfect for Passover!
That’s so funny you lived in Woodstock! So close to ATL… you guys should just move back down South. And bring me macaroons. ;)
Chocolate on a Monday?? I LOVE you! AND I have all these ingredients at home. :-)
These look amazing and so simple. I cannot wait to make them. Might be my first sweet after my 7-day Spring cleanse is over.
Good luck finding where you want to live! I also moved a lot as a kid (though your moves definitely outnumber my own) so I feel you on enjoying the idea of adventure.
Thanks for the no-bake chocolate macroons. I will definitely be making these, probably more than once.
These look amazing!
I’m currently at my parent’s house in Riverview :), pretty great place to grow up!
Yes it is. It’s changed so much since I was little too!
Have you been back in the area recently? Calactus Vegetarian Restaurant in Moncton is great!
It’s been a couple years since I’ve been back, but I did get to dine at Calactus a couple times when I was last there – so good!!
So good. Their veggie burger is to die for.
I’m going to make these ASAP! I was recently told to go gluten-free by my doctor, and I’ve been looking for more dessert type options. These will be perfect. :)
Come back to Charlotte! I hereby volunteer to taste-test all of your recipes!
I love macaroons, these look so easy and delicious. Good luck with figuring out your next step/adventure. I am in the same situation, wanting to move but where will we go?
Did you read my mind or what?! Feel the same way about pumpkin by the end of October LOL. Can’t wait to make these. Peace.
I had just been thinking about macaroons! All of the recipes I’ve seen use sweetened coconut, but I prefer to add my own sugar so I’m excited to try this recipe out. I also like that it’s a small batch because my boyfriend doesn’t like coconut so I’ll be on my own. Are you considering a move to the US? Washington DC is super fun…. :)
Yum! Chocolate no-bake cookies were my favorite at the dining hall in college, though I’ve never made them myself. And coconut only makes things better!
I feel the same way, move over winter produce, I’m ready for spring! Also, I know how you feel about the new adventure, I think mixing it up from time to time keeps perspective and keeps life fresh, go for it! P.S. I need 500 of these right now!
Come to San Diego! I know you liked it when you visited! :)
These macaroons look fantastic.
Never before I’ve written here, but I must say that I love your blog and all recipes :)) Are so colorful and beautiful!
greetings from Poland :-)
Thank you, I’m so happy to have a reader from Poland :) My sister in law is from there and she says it’s beautiful. I’d love to visit some day.
Those look amazing!
Here’s an idea for your next challenge in life and you guys could live anywhere……open Oh She Glows restaurants all over the U.S., fast food type but where people could eat healthy and on the go. Lunch hour would never be the same!
Make the move to Calgary! Lots of great outdoor activities here, and lots of high paying IT jobs (with oil & gas companies) for Eric!
Great! I have all the ingredients at home :-)
I am Jewish and Passover is around the corner (no gluten for 7 days… I hate the food on this holiday) so this is a great recipe, I am sure it will taste much better than the pre packed macaroons that are out everywhere now for the holiday!
Carmit (live in Tampa now – 5 min from Oldsmar :-)
These remind me of “Fiddle Diddles” from my cookbook as a kid (although both oats and nuts were in that recipe!) Can’t wait to try this version out.
That being said, have you ever considered the West Coast? Vancouver is great 4 months out of the year. ;)
ha- fiddle diddles…that is a much more creative name than mine. I think they can also be called haystacks?
We’ve considered the West coast and love it, so it’s an option. Just not sure if we’d be able to afford it the way the housing market is these days.
I second Vancouver! Or just BC in general :)
Lovely and easy-sounding recipe. Come up the Finger Lakes region of upstate NY. Beautiful!
These macaroons look scrumptious! :) Can’t wait to try them, thanks Angela!
Holy moly these look divine! Pinning them ASAP. Love the short ingredient list :)
Yay I have all the ingredients at home!!! These look awesome!
Anything “no-bake” has me instantly intrigued!! I love the simplicity of the ingredients in this recipe, too. Indulging in treats that I do not have to feel guilty about are the best!
Oh Angela, I can certainly relate to the desire to explore and step out of comfort zones. My husband and I have had the very same conversations (sometimes out of longing for a warmer climate than what we have in Calgary, but now it’s getting more serious).
The wonderful thing for us about not being parents is that it’s easier to pick up and give it try, take that leap of faith and just go for it. All of our family is here, but I’m so used to moving around too (although mostly within the City, does that count? haha), I’m ready to be uprooted a bit and be challenged! We’ll be exploring a bit on our next vacation to see if we’d like to move, I’m pretty excited about the thought!
Honestly, no matter what you and Eric choose to do, your passion will follow you wherever go and you’ll be that adventure together… what could be better than that?!
I am out of bananas so I used unsweetened applesauce and they turned out delicious. I wanted something yummy to take to a friend’s house for dinner. She will love them!
Oh thanks for letting me know! I was wondering if unsweetened applesauce would work. :)
The unsweetened applesauce substitution for mashed banana is SUPER helpful! How much did you use, though? I really want to make these and there are no overripened bananas around!
I’m from Riverview! Too funny. I’ve never commented before, but I use your recipes all the time. They are amazing (:
Always nice to meet a fellow Maritimer from Riverview! Thanks for trying the recipes :)
Out of interest, do these taste AT all like banana? I absolutely hate it to the point where the smell makes me retch but I want to eat these :(((
Yes there is banana flavor in them.
I have a lifelong aversion to banana’s but thought i’d give the recipe a try anyway. Even at the point of making the macaroons I tasted the mashed banana and literally shuddered at the taste. However! The banana flavour was for me well disguised enough to enjoy the macaroons to their fullest :)
These look like a perfect cure for the winter blues. Moving and starting over again can be tough. I hope you two are able to find what you are looking for soon.
Yum – can not wait to whip some up. Question, I don’t have coconut oil and not sure Ill get to store today. Can you make without or what is a good substitute?
Thanks!
Jill
Hi Jill, That’s a tough one since coconut oil is responsible for hardening them up when chilled. You might be able to get away with using peanut or almond butter for binding reasons, but I don’t think it would firm up as much. Also, cocoa butter should work too! goodluck
I made these with peanut butter instead of coconut oil (trying to minimize saturated fat) and they turned out amazing! Not sure if they were softer than they would be with coconut oil, but who could complain? They are delicious.
My husband and I made the big leap a few years ago from Ottawa to Vancouver Island. We left with a few suitcases and our cats and have never looked back. I cried so much on the ferry over to the island and was so happy/excited to finally be somewhere that felt like home. The ocean, the outdoors (little to no mosquitos, no black flies, no deer flies and little to no bugs make for wonderful camping and adventuring all year), the mild winters, the amazingly beautiful summers and the access to fresh produce year-round, plus all of the awesome vegan foods are some of the many perks of living here. The laid back culture is a major plus too. The first year was tough, but so worth it – in between bouts of crying and stress, I was hiking in the woods or swimming in the ocean and feeling my spirit soar! Whatever you and Eric decide, I can’t vouch enough for following that inner feeling/intuition of movement because it’s just so worth it!
I second this!! I made the move from Ottawa to victoria myself on July. It was the right choice for me, a “gut” thing for sure. I love it here.
The husband and I are totally like you guys — moving around, adventurously. Like others suggested, put up a map and throw a dart to see where faith takes you next! :D
My faith is making me drool at this deliciousness!
I didn’t know you moved THAT much!!! I really enjoy Charlotte (one of Tyler’s friends lives there!). I definitely don’t wanna say that we’re staying put here either! At least for now we are since I’m in school til at least next spring, hopefully for another year after that (Masters!). But we did do some moving, when we lived in Australia for 4.5 months and then in Kelowna, BC for almost 10 months! Great times. And always great when friends and family visit :)
And PS – I want about 50 of those macaroons right now!
I loved macaroons before becoming vegan but have yet to try a vegan version. These look healthy and delicious!
Macaroons are so good. I’m one of those weirdos who doesn’t go nuts for chocolate, so I think I’m going to try these with carob. Yum!
This is such a fantastic recipe especially for someone like me who doesn’t like to bake much. I love macaroons, can’t wait to try making these with my daughter.
I know how you feel all too well – I moved around a lot when I was younger too, and although it was hard because I don’t always love change, I feel that it made me the person I am today – adventurous, open to new places and things and people, and adaptable. Best of luck making your decision! And remember, it’s not where you are, but who you’re with :)
Oh and I will be making these. Oh yes I will…..yummy!!
Hi Angela, these sound very good….except for the coconut and banana…. I have a family recipe of no-bake cookies (macaroons) that I’ve adapted to make vegan and they are tasty just the same.
Thank you for creating and posting these delicious recipes for everyone.
These look amazing! I love anything that’s non-baking required and the fact that they’re chocolate makes them simply perfect to boot!
ERMAHGERD!! I just looked through your site yesterday for a Macaroon recipe! Craaazy!!! Come to BC!! Ocean, mountains, great jogging trails, farmer’s markets, and LOT’s of vegan places.
AND BC wine. Case. Closed.
(Have you tried Magner’s Pear Cider? It’s magnificent and V-friendly.)
I want to visit Halifax! I’ve heard great things about it. The coconut oil and chia in these is such a great touch, can’t wait to try!
I can see you moving to the Vancouver area, if not somewhere in B.C. :) If my Eric and I had the opportunity, I think we’d move there. Or move back to San Diego <3 Though I know our hearts are set on the Santa Cruz area. Our friends and family live here and being so close knit, it would be hard to move.
Chocolate macaroons. Lady, you read my mind. These will be made this week :)
Great post, great recipe.. I will try it this week :)
It’s so weird you lived in Riverview.. I’m from Moncton myself and I don’t even know how I stumbled on your blog.. so to see you are from the same place as me makes me connect even more :) I LOVE your recipes btw.. everything I have tried is amazing and so healthy. Keep it up and goodluck with the moving contemplation :)
You are just “across the pond” from Riverview as I like to say. ;) Lovely to meet you and thanks for reading!