Raw Macaroons, New Giveaway, Orange Goji Cheesecake, 3 Calgary Workshops
Hi friends, I hope you had a great weekend! Today I have several new things to share with you including a NEW GIVEAWAY (this time open to Canada AND the USA), some Spring recipes and info on my 3 different workshops in Calgary next month. Thanks to everyone who entered the Planet Hemp bundle giveaway. Congrats Jordann Catherine, the company will be sending your prize out soon. I know I've said it before but I always love reading your entry answers and this time two people said how they like to use hemp oil is a moisturizer. I had never thought of that!! Coconut oil yes, but I haven't thought of using hemp oil! Very good idea.
Spring is here!
The cherry blossoms are out on the trees and the weather is warming up (around 10C - 50F). With Easter just around the corner its time for some tasty treats.
I'm a HUGE fan of Koukla Delights - organic, raw, vegan, gluten free, paleo, soy free macaroons in 5 different flavors: vanilla, chocolate, matcha, matcha chip, and granola cookies. I discovered them last year at Home Sense here in Victoria. They're delicious, not too sweet, super portable (hello, travel snacks), and there's a flavor for everyone (the vanilla and chocolate are my faves). I especially love that they're made with simple whole food ingredients and they're sweetened with maple syrup.
I've partnered with Koukla to bring you a fabulous Easter GIVEAWAY that is open to Canada and the USA. Woo hoo! One of you, my friends, will get to enjoy this generous gift of 5 bags of their macaroons (in each flavor) along with 3 mini snack packs (which have 2 macaroons in each one - perfect for throwing into your purse for a quick snack on the run).
The chef in me got creative with the macaroons and I had a fun time dressing them up. Yes, for fun - this is the kind of thing I like to do - BUT it sure came in handy for the potluck dinner party I went to on Saturday evening.
It's a great way to impress friends and bring a healthy and tasty dessert without doing much work (hehe, very sneaky).
I almost let everyone think they were entirely my creations - but I let the cat out of the bag and told them what I had done and how I couldn't take all the credit for making dessert. They were impressed and all the treats got devoured.
All you need is:
- some melted chocolate of your choice
- toppings of your choice such as: goji berries, seeds, shredded coconut, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, mulberries.
I created a Chocolate Coconut Macaroon...
using the coconut drizzle that I used on my hemp bars HERE. I spooned the coconut drizzle over the top of the chocolate macaroon and then sprinkled crushed cacao nibs on top (ground briefly in a coffee grinder). Into the fridge for the coconut to harden and voila!
I created the Vanilla Chocolate Macaroon...
by simply drizzling melted chocolate over the top of the vanilla macaroon and sprinkled just a little bit of shredded coconut on them.
I made the Chocolate Matcha Macaroon...
By dunking the whole matcha macaroon into melted chocolate. I garnished with a few goji berries.
I dressed up the Granola Cookies...
With a drizzle of chocolate and a few crunchy pumpkin seeds on top.
And I made Chocolate Matcha Macaroons...
By dipping just the tops into melted chocolate. I garnished with crushed cacao nibs.
In celebration of Spring and Easter,
lets get this giveaway party started, shall we?!
How To Enter:
- Answer in the comment section below: Have you ever made macaroons? What is your favourite flavor? (My all time favourite is a mint chip macaroon).
- For a bonus entry: "Like" Sweetly Raw on facebook (leave a comment HERE saying "Liked SRD")
- For a second bonus entry: "Like" Koukla Delights on facebook.
You must be a resident of Canada or the USA to enter. A random winner will be chosen on Sunday April 2. The winner will have 24 hours to reply to my email with their mailing address or a new winner will be selected.
Best of luck guys!
Note: This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Kim Copithorne!
For those of you in Calgary, I've got 3 different workshops coming up next month! If you live in the area, I hope you'll join us.
On Sunday April 23, I'll be teaching a class that includes dinner at Wild and Raw. Space is limited. Call or visit the shop to register.
On Thursday April 27th, I'll be teaching a hands on dessert class at The Light Cellar. You can register online HERE. It's going to be a deeelicious evening!
On Saturday April 29th I'll be co-hosting a half day workshop with holistic nutritionist, Amber Romaniuk.
A little something exciting. 2 of my recipes were featured in the current issue of Flourish Magazine, by New Roots Herbal. This is a FREE magazine that you can pick up at health food stores, so check it out :))
They featured my recipe for Matcha Power Balls.
And my recipe for Mini Lemon Goji Berry Cheesecakes.
I thought I'd share the recipe here with you today!
Mini Raw Vegan Lemon Goji Berry Cheesecakes
Crust
1/2 cup almonds
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup dried mulberries
2 tablespoons raisins
1 1/2 teaspoons water
Grind the almonds into flour in a food processor. Add the coconut, mulberries, and raisins. Grind until the raisins are completely broken down (this will take a minute or two). Add the water last and pulse to combine. Press the crust into 4-5 mini silicone muffin pans (or mini cheesecake pans) and set aside.
Filling
1 cup cashews
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup goji berries
Blend the cashews, lemon juice, coconut sugar, and vanilla until smooth in a blender. Add the coconut oil and blend to incorporate. Add the goji berries and blend briefly until they begin to break down but keep some texture and see bits of the goji berries. Spread the filling over the crusts (as I said above, there will be more crust than filling). Chill in the freezer for 8-12 hours. Peel away the silicone moulds and transfer to the fridge for at least 6 hours.
Sauce
1 1/4 cup diced strawberries
2 pitted dates, chopped
1/4 cup goji berries
Blend the strawberries and dates in a food processor or blender until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and fold in the goji berries. Set aside for at least 20 minutes. The berries will soften. Spoon over the cheesecakes before eating.
Wishing you all a wonderful week!
89 Comments
I have never had macaroons, but they look yummy!
I've never made macaroons, nor have I ever had them raw. Nor have I had flavored macaroons. For all of these reasons I would love to try this product! These flavors all look amazing.
I haven't made any macaroons before, in fact I'm very new to making anything and newer to clean whole foods. Liked SRD
I haven't ever made macaroons, but I would love anything with dark chocolate.
I liked SRD on facebook as Dandi Daffyhill.
I liked Koukla Delights on facebook as Dandi Daffyhill.
I've never made macaroons before, but I'm super excited to make these recipes! Liked SRD & SWD on Facebook. :)
There's a coffee bean macaroon that is a wonderful afternoon snack. Liked SRD and Koukla Delights on FB.
These look beautiful as well as good for you! I have only had traditional macaroon cookies, so would love to try these! These macaroons look lovely and healthy! I would love to try them.
I have never attempted to make macaroons but I do enjoy devouring them! The flavor I love is buttercream!
Buttercream macaroons?! That sounds good!!!
Liked SRD! And also liked Koukla Delights on FB!
I do like macaroons, just the plain simple ones. I have never made them, only purchased healthy ones at my local health food store - YUMMY!
I haven't made Macaroon before but I have tasted ones from Laduree in Vancouver. My favourite flavours are vanilla, pistachio and rose! Liked SRD and also liked Koukla Delights on FB
I've never made macaroons before! I would love to try different flavours. I've liked both pages under Nazima Qureshi.
Hi Heather?? Miss you tons!! I have never made macaroons however I love every flavour! If I had to choose I would pick chocolate. Liked SRD and Koukla delights! Xoxo Erika
Hi Erika! Miss you too and hope all is well!!! :))) xo
Macaroons are one of my favorite treats to make! I like a simple lemon flavor.
I've made LOTS of macaroons! My favourite flavour that I've made to date has to be vanilla/hazelnut though.....:D
Love... love... love the "original" basic macaroons but never tried making them.
I liked SRD on FB & Zoukla Delights as well.im a plain almond girl when it comes to my macaroons! Coconut takes second place!
I've always wanted to try Koukla macaroons, but they are quite pricey. They all look delicious! I've never made raw macaroons before (I don't know why) but I have made baked ones with cranberries and they were so good!
Love the coconut ones dipped in chocolate. I've made them once or twice. :)
Liked SRD
Liked Koukla Delights
I have only made raw chocolate macaroons, buy these flavors all look so good!! I liked SRD and Koukla Delights on FB!
Following both pages :) also my favourite macaroon's have got to be chocolate, I have a great raw recipe that I love. You made yours look so beautiful!!
I've never made them but would love anything chocolate!
I have honestly never made macaroons but I would imagine I would love strawberry or chocolate. Great photos!
Thank you! They're pretty easy to make :)
Liked Sweetly Raw on Facebook!
Yes I have! Coconut macaroons with chocolate covered bottom. Of all the things, I think it must be my favorite :)
That sounds delicious!!
Oh coconut macroons. Swoon! One of my favs :) Yes please. These would be amazing on my hikes. Liked SRD and Koukla Delights.
My fav macaroon flavour is Lemon-Coconut! (Also liked your page on Facebook ??)
I have made macaroons several times and I love them! I haven't really experimented with too many flavors but my favorite that I have made are probably almond macaroons either dipped in chocolate, or with chocolate chips mixed in.
Ooh almond macaroons dipped in chocolate sounds amazing!!
I liked SRD on Facebook!
I liked Koukla Delights on Facebook!
I haven't made or had macaroons before but if these are raw, paleo, vegan and organic?! I'm in!!!! The matcha chip sounds amazing! And of course, there's always chocolate!!!!
I love incorporating coffee or espresso in desserts! Haven't tried it with macaroons before, but I imagine it would be killer!
Never made macaroons but would love to give it a try.
I've never made them but I'm sure the chocolate coconut would be my favourite flavour.
I've never made them but I love chocolate dipped macaroons! Also like SRD!
Although Iv never made them I do like ve them!!! Liked SRD !!!!!
I used to bake macaroons( with flour and eggs)until I found a recipe for raw coconut macaroons that I fell in love with, No more baking for me! And, the chocolate coconut macaroons are so jummy.....
I haven't made macarons myself, but a friend makes the most delicious Earl Grey ones, which are my favourite.
I liked SRD on Facebook.
I liked Koukla Delights on Facebook.
Like SRD, I've. Never made macaroons... I was looking at recipes just a couple weeks ago and have been wanting to try it, not sure what flavour but I'd make bright Easter coloured ones!
Liked SRD
Chocolate macaroons are my fav. We make them often.
Hi Heather! My favorite macaroons would be dark chocolate & maple syrup. To me, this combination is the definition of heaven! And yes, I do make my own because the GOOD ones that are sold are way too expensive, unfortunately. :-)
I've never had macaroons, but I've drooled over them. Every bakery I've seen with them never has vegan options.
Liked SRD and Koukla Delights on Facebook
I've never made macaroons but now I'm inspired to try!
i tried once. kitchen fail
Yes! I call them "Orange Sunshine Macaroons" and they're colored orange with turmeric and have goji berries as sun rays with orange & clove oils to flavor. I am also happy to say I have now "liked" your SRD and set it to "see first" so I don't miss anything! I also "liked" Koukla Delights!
They sound absolutely delicious!! And thank you for liking SRD and catching all the posts :))
Looks delicious! Favorite macaroon is chocolate raspberry coconut. Liked SRD and Kouloka Delights on Facebook :)
*Koukla*
Never made macarons, but like to eat them once in a while. I usually go for the raspberry one, or the rose petal, maybe more attracted by their beautiful fuchsia or light pink color :-) . You made a great job dressing up those macarons! They look beautiful and would love to taste them!
Raspberry or rose petal sounds divine! And thank you! :))
Also liked SRD on Facebook! :-)
I love to make macaroons!! My two favorites are passionfruit + macadamia and raspberry + white chocolate (both are raw vegan recipes). I never thought of decorating my macaroons though.... Thank you so much for the inspiration!! ??
Those sound like incredible flavors!!!
These look awesome,and I love how you took ready-made already great products and added your personal touch (and extra flavour)! Such a great idea!
Thanks Gabrielle! :D
I've never made macaroons but I like your idea of the mint chocolate chip.
I love how you jazzed up those macaroons! I think my favourite macaroons I've ever made have had a pop of ginger in them! I just love the fresh 'zing' it adds! Your lemon goji cheesecakes look to die for!
Thank you so much! I like the sound of adding ginger!!
I mentioned on your Instagram post, (my IG is eaterofplants) that my favourite flavour to make is a lavender lime macaroon... and how random is HomeSense to find raw, vegan, paleo snacks!? Lol I'll have to look next time I'm in town :-) Also, I love reading your recipes, because I hadn't heard of the strawberry essence you used in the strawberry macaroons on IG, so now I've another new product to investigate! I love trying new ingredients ????
I know eh?! Home Sense has a lot of great things!Thank you so much - and try their vanilla essence if you order the strawberry. Its soooo good.
I made macaroons awhile ago and think my favorite flavor was matcha. Mint chocolate chip sounds great as do the Koukla Delights!
I've made classic coconut vanilla ones dipped in chocolate but yours look amazing! Liked SRD and Koukla delights on Facebook:) (Melissa Louise)
I've also never made macaroons but would love to try these flavors: white minty ones with mini choco chips, strawberrry ones, almond ones, double choco with choco topping- decadent, how about lavender raspberry ones, or how about orange flavored ones made with orange peel zest. I think all these flavors would be super yum yum combining with the rich fatty flavor of coconut.
Those all sound like incredible flavors to try!!
Never knew that macaroons could be healthy. Yum ?. We are fans of peanut butter and dark chocolate for sure! Likes all the facebook requested ?
I already have you on my likes!!!
Mm i love peanut butter and chocolate too!!
Of course I've made macaroons before. What kind of savage has never made macaroons before.
Hahaha! I know, those crazy savages!
my favorite macaroon would have to be coconut & hazelnut with dark chocolate drizzle. Liked SRD") commented like both sides and also joined your newsletter, thank you for this awesome opportunity.
I have yet to make macaroons. My go-to for snack making is usually cookies, or lately your peanut butter balls. Yumm, so good! I should definately try to make macaroons though. Probably vanilla, or matcha flavour.
I'm so glad that you're enjoying the peanut butter balls! :D
I have never made macaroons but I like raspberry and Chair Spice flavours. I have liked Koukla delights on Facebook.
i love making almond ones
I've never made them. Vanilla is my favourite ???????? Likes SRD & Koulka. Xoxo
A looong time ago I made chocolate coconut macaroons. Mmm... chocolate!! ?