Coconut Buttermints (paleo, refined sugar-free)
Coconut Buttermints (Paleo, refined sugar-free)
This has been a warm winter, relatively. I feel almost like I’m back in North Carolina, instead of Philadelphia. But I’m not, and where is the snow? The funny thing is, I never ever thought I’d complain about NOT having a cold winter. I used to hate snow. It’s true, as weird as that may sound. But living here has helped me overcome my fear and now I love it – even look forward to it! It’s so empowering when you can actually drive in snow (which was the fear that held me back from appreciating that beautiful white blanket). It makes you feel like you can do anything! If you’re from the south you’ll know what I mean. Anyway, it’s only January so there are still plenty of snow opportunities left, plenty of time to sip – or chug – hot chocolate, to perfect that snowman that I still haven’t figured out how to make, and to be annoyed at the endless snow shoveling required. Ahhhhh, winter.
I also love to eat yummy things in the winter. One of the flavors I love the most during winter is peppermint. It’s kinda funny when you think about it, because you would think that something with a cool flavor would be associated with hot summer days, not freezing cold days. But it is so good during the winter, right? Peppermint cocoa, mint brownies, buttermints…okay buttermints are maybe more of a year round post-steak-dinner thing, but I love them during winter especially. But I don’t love all the additives and processed stuff that buttermints are usually made with. Yuck. These Coconut Buttermints are made with real, non-processed ingredients, and healthy fat from coconut. They have just the right amount of maple syrup goodness, and they are soooo buttery (hence the name). I like to make them in little “buttons”, but they can be made into any shape you like. Try them, have fun with it!
Coconut Buttermints
-1 c coconut butter (or coconut cream concentrate)
-1/4c shredded coconut
-3T maple syrup
-1tsp vanilla
-1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Combine ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Spoon into icing bag (or like me into a baggie with one corner clipped to squeeze mixture through). Squeeze little mints, any shape or size you like, onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Or, if you’re short on time or just feeling lazy, simply spoon mixture into a container and cut into pieces once hardened. Place mints into fridge to harden.
We hope you enjoy these Paleo-friendly coconut buttermints as much as we do – let us know what you think!