Green tea macaroons

These are a simple-to-make confection from Sarah Jane White, whose book, The Extra Virgin Kitchen, is a favourite of mine.  I made them today and they turned out a totally delicious treat that’s bright green.  As the author says, they are idiot-proof.  Although you are supposed to freeze them I didn’t bother and just chilled them down to harden them a bit.  Yum!

If you are gluten-free, remember that vanilla “essence” can contain gluten while vanilla extract (made from actual vanilla) is gluten-free.

Buy matcha green tea powder in Asian shops or health stores.

 

 

 

Makes 16

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a generous pinch of vanilla powder)
3 level teaspoons matcha green tea powder
125g desiccated coconut
2 tbs coconut flour
Pinch sea salt/Himalayan salt
3 rounded tbs coconut oil
2-4 level tbs honey
Pinch dried ground turmeric
Quick squeeze fresh lemon juice (2 dessertspoons, give or take)
Food processor

Line a flat plate or baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
Add the ingredients to the food processor and blitz for 30 seconds, or until the mix starts to form a ball.
The next thing you want to do is shape the dough using 2 dessertspoons or small soup spoons.  Scoop out a small spoonful of dough and form it into a mini macaroon or madeleine shape using both spoons.  As Sarah Jane suggests, you could also use one of those special metric tablespoon you can buy from kitchen suppliers, to give a professional looking shape.
Freeze the macaroons until they are solid, then transfer to your fridge.

Why these are good for you:
Green tea has health benefits as they are laden with antioxidant catechins.  Green tea promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut which are helpful for clear skin, super-efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients.  Good bacteria are also responsible for helping remove toxic chemicals and used-up hormones from your body quickly and safely.  Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can be super-helpful for reducing stress or anxiety.  Coconut oil is a great source of medium chain triglycerides.  These help feed your brain and also supply ready energy to your body without being converted to fat!  Lemon juice has antioxidant properties and helps boost liver function, to help rid you of all those natural and man-made toxins your body works to get rid of every minute of every hour.