Want to bake some scrumptious gluten-free muffins? Grab some coconut flour. Hungry for a creamy sauce topping tonight's vegetable dish? Try using coconut milk. Need a first-aid treatment? Help to quit smoking? A weight-loss aid? Reach for the coconut oil.
Coconut Flour
Whether the result of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or the maintenance of a low-carbohydrate diet, many of us choose to (or must) avoid wheat in our diets. Conventional wheat flours are out of the question, but a gluten-free diet doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to those favorite baked treats forever! Coconut flour is a tasty alternative, perfect for those fresh-baked muffins you've been craving. It is high in protein and fiber, low in carbohydrates, and has a nice texture and sweetness that even your wheat-eating friends and family will enjoy. Continue reading to find a recipe for delicious chocolate muffins using coconut flour.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk continues to become more widely available in supermarkets and health food stores. Because of its versatility, new uses for coconut milk are always being discovered. Traditionally, it has often been used mainly in curry dishes and Thai cuisine. It can easily be used as a healthy replacement for dairy in coffee or tea.
Be sure to purchase pure coconut milk without added sugar or preservatives. Once it has been opened, the remaining milk can spoil pretty quickly. In order to keep it fresh for longer, freeze the remainder using an ice-cube tray in 1 tablespoon portions. After it is frozen, store the cubes in a freezer bag or container. You will have pre-measured portions ready to thaw for future use.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Many amazing health benefits of unrefined coconut oil, also called virgin coconut oil (VCO), are continually being discovered. In a recent study that tested its effectiveness in naturally treating wounds when applied topically, VCO was found to heal skin quickly. Other studies have found that the saturated fats found in coconut oil, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), are beneficial not only to general health, but may also to help those who are trying to lose weight. It has even been found to help prevent nicotine dependence! Use it for cooking and baking in place of vegetable oils.
For good food and good nutrition, coconut products are the perfect addition to a healthy diet.
RECIPE
Gluten-Free Chocolate Muffins
Yield 6 or 7 muffins
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons raw honey (you may also use maple syrup or molasses)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional additions: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix together coconut flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Beat eggs; stir in honey, coconut oil, coconut milk, and vanilla extract (if you choose the optional peppermint extract, add it here).
- Stir flour mixture into the egg mixture. Fold in walnuts and/or chocolate chips if you choose to use them. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
- Bake 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Elizabeth Davis - Liz is mom to a toddler, an avid researcher of issues related to food and diet, and experienced in nutrition and supplementation.
