Pumpkin Spice Coconut Oil Balls

Yields: Approx. 35 T Sized Balls
Serving: 3 per day
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic unsulphured raw coconut butter (boughten or homemade)
• 3/4 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 cup organic coconut flour
• 1/4 cup + 1 T organic pumpkin puree
• 2 T  pumpkin pie spice
• 15 drops stevia (or to taste)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until combined. Take the mixture and refrigerate for no more than 30 minutes to allow the dough to become more firm. Using a melon baller/cookie scoop, or your fingers, gently roll dough into tablespoon sized balls. Place on a plate cover in parchment paper and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until hard. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, will last about 3 weeks.

Why We Love Coconut Oil

One strategy to increase ATP (the energy currency for the body) for brain healing & preventing dementia is consuming coconut oil: 1 tbsp with breakfast, lunch and dinner.  MCT (medium chain triglycerides) found in coconut oil have many great benefits, including:

• Improving the body’s use of insulin
• Improving cholesterol by increasing HDL (good cholesterol)
• Boosting thyroid function resulting in increased energy
• Acting as an antioxidant and natural antibiotic
• Improving overall health of skin and hair
• Improves cognitive function

As one way to get your fill of coconut oil, I love the idea of using coconut oil to satiate sweet cravings. This is an especially good idea for those who might have a taste or texture aversion to coconut oil on its own (like my wife). Personally I create a chocolate version using raw cacao powder, coconut oil and stevia to satisfy my sweet cravings.

 

The Scoop on Coconut Butter

You may be asking yourself, “Why did she use coconut butter in addition to the oil, versus just oil?”  Coconut butter is made from ground raw coconut flakes or meat, that when processed at a high speed, pulls out the oils (just as nuts do into nut butter). When using coconut butter, you are not only getting the benefits of the oil, but also dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Coconut butter provides a full flavor and creaminess that compliments the texture of the coconut oil.

Any brand of coconut butter will work as long as the only ingredient is raw organic coconut. If you own a high-speed processor or blender, it’s much cheaper to make it at home than purchase it (plus it is satisfying to make yourself!). I paid $3.28 for 3/4 lb., which yields at least 16 oz. coconut butter, versus boughten at no less than $10.00 per 16 oz.

Enjoy!