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Living gluten free easily by eating real food and a few gf processed foods

Almond Coconut Chocolate Truffles

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Okay, today, I’m getting all “crunchy granola” on you … going from the mainstream stuff to products that a few of us have come to use fairly often, but many still consider a little out there—a little crunchy granola, if you will. I’m talking about Coconut, Hemp, and Chia. Is it just me or does that grouping sound like a new-age version of The Three Stooges? Maybe it was just the fact that hemp reminded me of Shemp,  plus chia always makes me laugh (all those Chia Pet commercials!), and coconut … well, coconuts are just plain fun (lots of songs have played with the sounds of those three syllables over the years). They’d make great names for celebrity’s kids, too. But, I digress.

When I say coconut, hemp, and chia, more specifically, I’m talking about Coconut Manna™ (organic whole coconut), Hemp Seed, Hemp Oil, and Chia Seed—all from Nutiva. Nutiva is a company that only sells organic, non-GMO products. Their motto is Nourishing People & Planet. You can read more about Nutiva,  their history, and company mission here.

But, let’s get to the really good stuff—the products I reviewed. First, there’s Coconut Manna™. What is it? It’s simply organic whole coconut, in a jar, all ready for you to use. No machete or other forceful methods necessary to open a whole coconut. Hey, don’t laugh. Mr. GFE used a machete once to open a whole coconut. We were on the totally charming and stunningly beautiful island of Sandy Cay in the British Virgin Islands. The machete worked, but I held my breath until the coconut was opened, the machete was set aside, and it was determined that all of Mr. GFE’s limbs were intact. And, then, after all that, the coconut wasn’t even ready to eat.

You don’t have to worry about any of that using Coconut Manna™; it’s good to go. As stated on the jar, Coconut Manna™ is great for adding to smoothies, sauces, dressings, desserts, icing, and ice cream. Already getting ideas? Here’s a recipe below for Nutty Coconut Chocolate Drops that I made using Coconut Manna™. Incidentally, I didn’t feel guilty using this product because it’s 16% fiber and 7% protein, with the nourishing fats that coconuts offer. One of these drops is very satisfying and good for you! Of course, I used honey from our bees instead of maple syrup, but I would like to try maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. (Grade B maple syrup, of course, has its own health benefits.)

Yield:

Almond Coconut Chocolate Truffles

Almond Coconut Chocolate Truffles

Adapted from recipe on back of Nutiva Coconut Manna™ jar.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix all together and roll into 1-inch balls.
  2. Roll into cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or finely chopped nuts, if desired.
  3. Store in refrigerator when not being served. You may need to warm to room temperature slightly before serving.
© Shirley Braden
Category: Desserts

Hemp seeds have made their way into my smoothies many times. I’ve also used them in Linda’s (Kitchen Therapy) Gluten-Free Wonder Buns in place of sesame seeds. My dear friend, Jennifer, uses hemp seeds to make these amazing salmon cakes. Unfortunately, per my understanding, hemp seeds lose some of their nutritional value when cooked, so using them raw is best, but they sure are tasty either way.

The hemp oil is wonderful for simple salad dressings. Like the hemp seeds themselves, it has a pleasant nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It’s light green in color. A basic salad dressing recipe comes on the bottle:

Yield:

Zesty Hemp Dressing

Zesty Hemp Dressing

Recipe courtesy of Nutiva

Ingredients

  • 2 parts hemp oil
  • 2 parts olive oil
  • 2 parts vinegar
  • herbs of choice

Instructions

  1. Shake liquids with herbs.
  2. Creamy Variation: Add 2 parts tahini to the ingredients above.
© Shirley Braden

Often a simple salad dressing like that is all I really want to dress my greens.

The Nutiva site says that chia seed was revered by the Aztecs and Incans for its super nutritional value. Throw it in smoothies, use it in baked goods, or turn it into tapioca-style pudding like I did here (per Ricki Heller’s lead).

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. 

Nutiva is giving away one each of the following to one lucky gfe reader: Coconut Manna™, Hemp Seed, Hemp Seed Oil, and Chia Seed. As usual, there are a few ways you can enter the giveaway, but the first one listed is the only required entry. All the others are just ways you can get additional entries if you like. The giveaway ends Saturday, December 11, at midnight, Eastern.

~Leave  a comment saying why you’d like to win this giveaway … which product you are most interested in, how you’d use it, etc.

~Post about this giveaway on your blog and/or share it on Facebook. Leave a separate comment here saying that you did.

~Tweet about this roundup/giveaway using @Shirleygfe and @Nutiva_foods using the following: “Coconut, hemp & chia giveaway from @Shirleygfe & @Nutiva_foods here: http://budurl.com/Nutiva” (cut and paste text within quotes, but exclude quotes; or create your own tweet). Leave a separate comment here saying that you did.

~Subscribe to gfe via reader or email. Leave a separate comment here saying that you did.

~“Like” gfe on Facebook. Leave a comment here saying that you did.

~“Like” Nutiva on Facebook. Leave a comment here saying that you did.

~Follow me on Twitter. Leave a separate comment here saying that you did.

If you want to check out my previous posts for 25 Days of Christmas, just click on the links below:

Day 1 – Gluten-Free Holiday Giveaway Galore x 10—Giveaway of the new book, Mommy, What is Celiac Disease?, plus gluten-free treats and fun stuff. Open through Wednesday, December 15.

Day 2 — Guest Post from Debi Smith (Hunter’s Lyonesse)—My Journey Back to Healthy Living

Day 3 — Corn and Butter Bean (or Lima Bean) Casserole for A Gluten-Free Holiday (Cookbook and book giveaway ends Wednesday, December 8.)

Day 4 — Little Cayman Beach Resort Review

Day 5 — 20 (Plus) Thoughts on International Food Bloggers Conference

Full disclosure: Nutiva provided a complimentary sample of several of their products for my review: Coconut Manna, Hemp Seed, and Hemp Seed Oil. Nutiva is also providing the giveaway package. However, the opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.

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Comments

  1. Mandy says

    I add hemp seeds to my morning gluten free oats to give my breakfast a protein boost! I also like to add both hemp seeds & chia seeds to the gluten free breads I bake. Tasty & adds more protein and fiber. I haven’t had a chance to experiment with hemp oil, but I would really love to. I am unable to tolerate gluten, soy, dairy, tree nuts, seeds (including flax, sunflowers & coconut) and many fruits. Finding an oil to use in breads, salads, and other foods is very difficult. I’ve been very interested in trying hemp oil. While I love the hemp & chia seeds, the oil is what I’m most interested in. The recipe for Zesty Hemp Dressing looks fabulous and I am going to try this soon!! Both with and without the Tahini!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Mandy–It looks like you are new to gfe–welcome! 🙂 Many thanks for sharing such a thorough comment on your use of hemp seeds and planned use of hemp oil. Well, whoever wins gets all four of the products … best of luck to you! Oh, can you eat avocados? There’s also avocado oil now. I reread your “no-no” list a few times, but it’s early and I’m not sure if that’s off limits for you or not. Just wanted to mention it.

      I agree on doing the dressing both ways … sometimes one wants creamy, and sometimes not. Tahini isn’t carried at my basic grocery store so more often than not, it’s the non-creamy version for me. 😉

      Best of luck in the giveaway!
      Shirley

      Reply

  2. Terry says

    I love trying to add new things to my diet. I have not yet tried Hemp Oil or Hemp seed.

    Those Almond Chocolate Truffles sound mighty good. I would have to use carob chips in place of the chocolate chips though.

    Please put me in for this giveaway… I would love to win.

    Reply

  6. Mary says

    Hi Shirley! I am loving your recipes so much, about to post my results with your fudge pie. I have been wanting to try the coconut manna product but haven’t searched for it yet in stores. Would be so cool to try. I randomly threw together a granola using Nutiva’s hemp seeds and yacon syrup a couple months ago. Turned out pretty good!

    P.S. I follow you on FB and Twitter too! 😉

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Mary–I think this is the first time you’ve commented on gfe … and what a comment–thank you! 🙂 Your random granola concoction sounds great.

      Thanks for the super kinds words, connections, and entering the giveaway … maybe there’s coconut manna in your future. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  7. Sharon says

    I use hemp and chia seeds in smoothies and on topog cereals and salads. I live the taste and the nutritional benefits! Ihavent tried the hemp oil and would be most interested in experimenting with it. I also love all things coconut so I’m sure I could come up with something to do with that as well. Excellent post Shirley!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Sharon–I think you’d have fun experimenting with all of these goodies! 🙂 Remember you can get extra entries by stating you follow me on FB, subscribe, etc.

      Good luck!
      Shirley

      Reply

  8. Anna Fargo says

    I would love to test the products. I have never used any of them. I recently tried hemp milk and that was great. I am on a mission to try new ingredients to add to my GF lifestyle which will help boost nutritional value.

    Reply

  9. Debbie Schnell says

    That coconut Manna looks wonderful! Besides being a Celiac, I have multiple food intolerances and allergies. Coconut oil is my “butter”, hemp milk is my “cream”.This prize pack is absolutely a must have for my holiday gift making and baking!

    p.s. I “Liked” gfe on Facebook.

    Reply

  10. Erin Elberson says

    YAY for coconut and MCT fat 🙂
    Those truffles look yum, Shirley. I’ve not seen the Coconut Manna, I will have to look for it. I do use the Nutiva coconut oil. Curious about the texture of the Coconut Manna-is it creamy? It seems as if it may be similar to the “cream” portion of Tropical Traditions coconut cream.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Erin!–The truffles ARE yummy. The Coconut Manna is creamier, “harder” (when not liquefied), and thicker than coconut oil. Have you ever tried Artisana Coconut Butter? It’s very creamy and tastes very coconut and sweet. This Coconut Manna is not as creamy and not nearly as sweet as the Artisana. The Coconut Manna is like less processed coconut oil in a way. I don’t know about TT’s coconut cream … I’ve never had that.

      Sory I can’t be more helpful. Product reviews are not my forte, but these products are at least worth going to the effort to giveaway. 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  11. Debbie Schnell says

    I try to add some hemp seeds to all of my baking, pancakes, even turkey meatloaf. Chia seeds are my “eggs” in most of my baking as well.
    I “Liked” Nutiva on Facebook. Wish I could have “loved” it!

    Reply

  12. Debbie Schnell says

    I can’t wait to try those truffles! If I can find the Coconut Manna anywhere around here 😉 They would be a great addition to my holiday gift tins.
    I’ve never used the Hemp Oil, seems like it would make an awesome, nutty vinaigrette…Om, nom, nom!

    I am now happily following you on Twitter.

    Reply

  17. Susan B. says

    We love the coconut manna–we melt some super-dark chocolate with it, mix in some pecans, and let it harden into nearly-paleo chocolate treats (when we’re not just eating it by the spoonful).

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Susan B.–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Oh, how divine your nearly paleo treast sound! I think I’d definitely want to eat your concoction by the spoonful. 😉

      Good luck!
      Shirley

      Reply

  18. Neva says

    Would love to try the coconut manna, have not heard of it before, lots of suggestions in the comments I would love to try.

    Reply

  19. Tracy Milstead says

    The biggest reason I’d like to win is because I’ve been wanting to try most of these products but do not want to pay for whole jars/packages and find out I don’t like it. I can’t decide which product I’m most interested in trying first… either the Hemp or Chia Seed. I would start out using them in the recipe posted above. It sounds excellent!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Tracy–Since it’s your first time commenting here (I believe), welcome to gfe! 🙂 Winning a giveaway is indeed a great way to try out new products.

      Good luck! 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  22. Carolyn says

    I have expanded my horizons and started oil pulling using coconut oil. Waiting to see if I can tell a difference.
    Coconut oil is one of my favorite ingredients when baking and cooking.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Carolyn–Oil pulling is such an interesting concept. And, yes, coconut oil has gotten a bad rap whereas canola oil has gotten a good reputation. But do all the research and you’ll find this information should actually be reversed.

      Good luck in the giveaway! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  24. Helen V says

    I would like to try the coconut manna. I already use the hemp oil and hemp seeds. I think it would be great in my freezer fudge.

    Reply

  28. Mir says

    What a yummy giveaway! I’m already a huge chia fan—I have a child who’s a vegetarian, so I put chia in EVERYTHING to make sure she’s getting those great Omega-3s—but I’ve not yet tried hemp. Curious to test it out! Thanks for the chance, Shirley. 🙂

    Reply

  33. Heather Ash says

    I have recently been introduced to hemp seeds and I LOVE them! I have been using chia seeds for a little while now. I am most interested in trying the coconut manna. I love the flavor of coconut and use coconut oil in most of my recipes… so much that I recently purchased a 5 gallon container of it! The truffles look absolutely divine =-)

    Reply

  37. Gail says

    I use hemp seeds in my gluten-free cereal but have yet to try the hemp oil and chia seeds. I have the Nutiva Coconut Oil and it taste great. I love the combination of coconut and almond together in a recipe. I would like to be entered for this giveaway.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  38. Ashley says

    I am most interested in their chia seeds – I know it’s the latest health craze, and I lot of people consider it a fad, but I’d still love to try them. I love all sorts of nuts and seeds – I have an odd love affair with ground flaxseed, in particular – so I’m sure I’d love it. Thanks so much for this awesome giveaway! =)

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Ashley–You WON! Congrats! I know you will love your Nutiva products. 🙂 Look in your In Box for an email from me, so I can get your mailing information and get these out to you. 😉 And, the data on the chia seeds is real … they are tiny nutritional powerhouses!

      Congrats again! Happy holidays!
      Shirley

      Reply

  51. Darryl says

    I have been a fan of NuTiva, and now am pleased to say that I “like” gfe on FB, as well. I can’t wait to try the Almond Coconut Chocolate Truffle recipe. Just need to go out to NEW FRONTIERS and buy almond flour, and this recipe will be a GO.

    Reply

  52. Alex says

    I love the shelled hemp seeds! I’ve been going through the 13 ounce bags so fast… I try to lead a pretty active lifestyle, and I love the fact that I can get so many of the essential amino acids from an organic, raw whole food. Besides, they taste great, and can be added to anything. Or just eaten straight out of the bag. I think there’s a legend about Guatama spending a long time in meditation eating nothing but a hemp seed a day for years before he became the Buddha. Sounds pretty far-fetched, but if one had to eat one thing for years, hemp seeds would be one of the healthiest choices.
    I’d love to try the coconut manna, and chia seeds too. It seems like it would be fun trying out different recipes with those products.

    Reply

  54. Tammy says

    I would like to win this… i love hemp, hemp oil, chia and have used all three in various ways. the hemp salad dressing the THE BEST. equal parts hemp oil, olive oil, vinegar and then seasonings of your choice. also, coconut manna mixed with warm water makes a instant coconut milk. no need to purchase canned coconut milk.. and YUMMY too

    Reply

  61. Melanie says

    Okay, I am goi g to attempt to do all the posting and joining that are requirements to enter to win which are quite a bit (I am on Facebook but haven’t got a clue about tweet g and twitter so that’s a little daunting) Now you ask so why enter then? The obvious…who doesn’t like to win a prize or gift I mean wooooohooo and thank you! But the real driving force is me and my life which is in some serious need of health help. I am ahem, 54 but about 38 in my mind and I have been in some serious stress for the last 14 years with it being of the richter scale I the last 3-4. As a result I am grossly overweight 50 ish pounds need to come off, blood pressure needs to come down, glucose levels need to come down and this “tire” around my middle needs to disappear! I constantly feel bloated and still crave cards but feel gloggy afterwards. My two cousins who are Chiropracters and loving parents of a Celiac kid are pretty sure I having this same situation and have recommended going gluten free. Okay starting my research and yikes it’s overwhelming and unclear and and and! I really need the loving embrace of this collection to jump start me into my new and heather life EASILY! Please! I am so looking forward to feeli g better by changing my eating as well as the lifestyle changes I am already applying but I am confused and overwhelmed and don’t really know how to start and stay EASILY gluten free! Thank for providing a great opportunity for me to jumpstart myself into a heather New Year! Hope you pick me :0) Melanie
    Ps having souch fun reading and linking through your site I hope to win it all! I really want to make the coconut manna balls for Christmas and the hem oil sounds luxurious in a dressing! I can hardly wait to get the basics under my belt and then take flight with my own wings! Loved loved loved the guest post article too! I have lived with chronic Fatigue and Fibromyagia sins 1988 and I am working my way back to health too and I feel ( and know) this gluten free is my next big step and I feel so encouraged and less afraid with your “easy” approach! Can’t wait to get started! Thank you soooooooo much!

    Reply

  64. Carolyn says

    I am reading a book about the benefits of coconut oil in the diet. I find it interesting since coconut has been touted as a “bad” oil.

    Reply

  65. Judy S says

    I have recently been told that I have a gluten intolerance and I’m very new to it all. I love to cook & bake. All these new ingredients that I’ve never heard of before are quite a challenge for a ‘cook like my Grandma’ kinda cook. But I have been pleasantly surprised at how well some of the things have tasted. So I would love to try any of these products. I will look for them at the store. I would like to make some of the truffles for Christmas.

    Reply

  67. Mary says

    I’ve seen the Coconut Manna but have been intimidated to try it… I’m not sure why! It sounds yummy. I have already tried the other products… I <3 Nutiva!

    Reply

  71. Shirley says

    I didn’t get to respond to you all, but welcome to those new to gfe and thanks so much to all of you for your entries and ideas on how to use these products! 🙂 There will be more giveaways during this 25 Days of Christmas event, so please enter so we can spread the wealth. 😉

    Hugs,
    Shirley

    Reply

  72. Ashley says

    Oh, this is so exciting – thank you so much! I will be sure to use my Nutiva products proudly and to the best of my ability! =)

    Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Congrats again, Ashley! Have fun experimenting and enjoy the Nutiva products when they arrive!

      Thanks so much for the holiday wishes … wishing you the same! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

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