The holidays are upon us! Time to be merry and bright and enjoy good food with loved ones! If you're looking for a dessert recipe that will bring absolute deliciousness to your table using only quality, whole food ingredients, you've found the right place!

I present to you, RAW MACAROONS! These treats are simple to make as they only require a few basic ingredients and they don't need to be cooked (which helps retain the nutritional integrity of these babies)! The recipe I provide includes a small amount of sugar but they can be made without any and are still amazing. I prefer natural sweeteners like raw, local honey, stevia, maple syrup, dates, or coconut sugar in a pinch. I used pure maple syrup here because I adore the flavor and it seems fitting in these cold months.

RAW MACAROON RECIPE

(Vegan, Gluten-free)

Makes about 8 macaroons

INGREDIENTS (ORGANIC WHEN POSSIBLE):

-1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (give a quick chop if flakes are chunky)

-1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (preferably sprouted or soaked) or almond flour

-3 tablespoons coconut oil

-1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or other sweetener (optional)

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-Pinch or 2+ of sea salt

-Handful of cacao nibs (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or pulse in a food processor. You may need to warm your coconut oil on the stove for a minute to get it to liquify and mix well-- unless you're enjoying your holidays in the tropics! Spoon clumps of the mixture onto a plate or tray (I make 1-2 inch diameter clumps-- you may need to firmly squeeze the mixture in your hands to form little balls). Cool in the fridge for 30 mins so they solidify. Enjoy!

You can keep these cuties in the fridge for a week or so and in the freezer for several months. It helps to keep them cool until serving so they stay well formed. Consider making a larger batch and keeping some on hand in the freezer for a healthy, high fat snack that definitely satisfies a sweet tooth.

You can also get wild with these macs and try adding in cinnamon, maca, or peppermint essential oil, or try dipping them in melted dark chocolate. Heaven has arrived. Happy holidays!

Sending you warm holiday greetings from my kitchen to yours! <3