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.
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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!
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!