Here’s how it went. I entered a giveaway for a quart of Tropical Traditions coconut oil over at Blissful Britt. I wasn’t feeling particularly lucky, but you can’t win if you don’t play. Then a few days later, I received an email from Tropical Traditions asking if I’d like to review their product and give away a bottle to boot. I was on it like brown on rice! Hot on the heels of this invitation, Brittany announced that I’d won the coconut oil – talk about the universe aligning!
I was a slow convert to the ways of coconut oil, but I’ve found that I love using it in variety of recipes from savory dishes to breads and sweets. This product has staying power in my kitchen, though I have vowed to use it sparingly as I do all oil products. One of the great things about using coconut oil is that it adds an unmistakable and (in my opinion) welcome flavor to every recipe; the smell alone has me hooked.
Snickerdoodles
You can find the recipe for my snickerdoodles here.
Coconut Almond Butter Granola
I made a modified version of the Coconut Peanut Butter Granola recipe found on the Tropical Traditions website.
The Kelvis Sandwich
The Kelvis sandwich with Maple Whole Wheat Waffles.
Cornbread
Hands down this is the best cornbread I’ve made. The coconut oil gives it an almost buttery flavor and the texture is moist with the perfect amount of crumbliness. You don’t taste the orange juice in this – it just mellows out the whole wheat – a little trick I learned from King Arthur Flour. This comes together fast so it’s perfect for a quick side. You can find a treasure trove of coconut-oil recipes on the Tropical Traditions website.
Cornbread
Makes 8 slices
1 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup corn meal
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tbsp. flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp. water (whisk together until frothy)
1-2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn
Preheat the oven to 400F and lightly oil a 9″ pie plate or 9″ square baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, corn meal and baking powder. In a smaller bowl, mix together the milk, orange juice, coconut oil, flaxseed meal mixture and maple syrup.
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry and add the corn. Stir until thoroughly combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Now for the legal stuff and – - how to win!
Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?
You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:
Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
(If you are interested in purchasing a product from Tropical Traditions, please click on the image below to be taken to the site. If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil and as a member of their referral program, I will receive a discount coupon. There is also a link to the Tropical Traditions site at the bottom of my website. Thank you!)
So many delicious uses my friend
Cheers
CCU
Useful AND tasteful!
I don’t think I would have become interested in trying coconut oil if it weren’t for your great descriptions of what you’ve made with it! I think I’ll try it now. Thanks,
It took me a while to hop on board, but I really love it.
good stuff, great uses. everything from exotic dishes to skin care and it’s got medicinal and antiseptic properties. virgin coconut oil is wonderful! \o/
Sounds as if you have a handle on this stuff
!
That cornbread looks amazing! I’ve never used coconut oil for anything other than putting on my hair, perhaps I should try eating it. I like the granola idea, too.
On a different topic, what does ‘brown on rice’ mean? I’ve been wracking my brain, but coming up with nothing.
Lorna, it’s a play on the saying “white on rice;” the color white is “on” the rice – since I’m all about unrefined, I say brown on rice…does that help a little?? It’s another way of saying, I’m ALL over it!
Thanks Annie, the saying ‘white on rice’ is new to me too!
I also love to use coconut oil. I use it not so often but that’s going to change! I love your creative recipes with it! Yummm!
Hey, Sophie! It’s awesome good, isn’t it?
I love to make vegan chocolate with coconut oil, it’s so simple and so healthy!
Right on!
I was a late convert to coconut oil too. Now I use it in many things. I love to make curry with it, especially when I have no coconut milk on hand.
OOoh – that sounds like a great way to use coconut oil! Thanks!
I use it in all of my cooking and as a moisturizer! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have really got to try it as a moisturizer! Thanks, April!
You totally had luck on your side! I love when the universe aligns like that!
I’ve used this oil for years. Love it! Love how it makes my cookies just a little crisp on the outside, but moist on the inside. I even use it on my hair
Do you use it straight (on your hair) – or add something to it?
I rub a little in my hands and then smooth it through my hair. But I’ve got some crazy hair going on. It also keeps my hair from drying out in the winter.
Haha! I’ve got crazy hair, too – but I keep it very short to save my sanity. I’m going to try putting a wee bit in my hair.
Ladies, you can use it like a deep conditioner in your hair too. Put it in liberally and pile your hair up top and leave on 10-30 minutes and rinse with warm water. I usually just hop in the shower! Voilà, soft, manageable hair. I do it about once a month b/c I have fine hair
Thanks, Faith – definitely trying your suggestion!
Making cornbread with coconut oil was a revelation to me as well!
I think it is that “butteriness” that makes coconut oil so valuable in vegan cooking. The creamy layer to the flavour isn’t full on coconut either and I almost “rooned” my food processor making a batch myself. It’s not hard to make, you just need a better food processer than my model
(lets face it…ANY other brand would do! 
). Love the cornbread. In Australia we don’t actually make cornbread much. I took a book out of the library called “The Cornbread Gospels” by one “Crescent Dragonwagon” (MAN am I gonna’ need to change my name should I ever write a cookbook 
) and aside from all the eggy recipes, there was a most interesting recipe for an egg sub that I hadn’t heard of before that was well worth making (starch based). I haven’t actually tried to make cornbread yet but you know what? ANY recipe that you put here is going to get me wanting to try it Annie 
.
I was kinda reluctant to use the word buttery – but that’s how it came across to my tastebuds! Haha! I’ve heard of Crescent Dragonwagon – - yes, indeed – - our names are just way to boring. We’ll never amount to much
!
Ahhhh double win!! You have been set for what like..one month? Haha I FLY through coconut oil. So glad you won, and so glad you got another jar for a review! I’ll play fair and let others enter, but man is this a great giveaway!
What jars of coconut oil?! I don’t have any jars of coconut oil!
I love to use it in homemade lotions, lip balm, sugar scrubs, etc. I also love to use it in cookies and baked goods.
You are more resourceful than I am, Jessica! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love using coconut oil. I use it for just about everything in my HBA routine, and I use it in the kitchen. Love, love, love! Congrats on the double win. I did a give-a-way a while ago. Would love to win another jar!
Rootin’ for you
!
Just entered your giveaway – my favourite way to use coconut oil is in baking in lieu of canola oil
Thanks, Hannah! I’ve replaced the canola oil w/ coconut oil, too! So much flavor!
I’ve been toying with it a bit lately as well and have been VERY pleased with the results. The cornbread looks super.
I’m trying not to use it TOO much – though it’s really tempting since it seems to work in so many different applications.
I hear you – I feel the same way, although I did smear it all over my face yesterday – is that too much?
Excellent! Great post! Lots of info! Great prize to win for ANYONE!!!!
Hey Jennifer! Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
I cook everything with coconut oil, I especially love it in soups, and I also add a Tbsp to my morning smoothie. Yum yum!!
Oh my! I’ve got to try it in a smoothie – - fantastic!
[...] Check it out HERE! [...]
Granola
An excellent way to use it, Lisa! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love coconut oil! I love to use it to make raw mixed nut butter with coconut oil, ginger, raw honey/agave, and some cinnamon; I use it to make raw chocolate sauce; and I actually love to use it on my face as a moisturizer…I am actually super interested in using it to make cornbread! Can’t wait to try that out!
Lots of great ideas, Beth! Chocolate sauce sounds…oh so good!
These recipes look amazing!! My mom makes an awesome oatmeal cookie with coconut oil, it’s definitly one of my favorites!
ooh I love using coconut oil for homemade body products!
scrubs, lotions, massage oils, hair moisturizers! loooovve it
Seems like a very popular way to use the product, Nicole. Thanks!
[...] An Unrefined Vegan is giving away Organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! [...]
I would make a big batch of granola!
I subscribe.
My favorite recipe is coconut banana rum pancakes. Yum!
Those sound outrageous!! Thanks, Kristen!
WONDERFUL PRODUCT, THANK YOU!
Glad you found the giveaway, Mariana!
I’ve been wanting to try coconut oil – thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for playing along, Kristen!
I love using coconut oil in my lotion recipe.
I also like to use coconut oil to pop popcorn!
Hey, never thought of that one! Delicious!
Love to make “almond joy” candy with coconut oil!
Yowza – that sounds incredible!
Subscribed – Thank you!
You bet – thanks for stopping by, Tammy!
Love me some coconut oil!
Me, too! Thanks for commenting, Heather!
I love your recipe ideas, and I love this coconut oil!
Thanks, Jessica!
I make granola with coconut oil and will have to try your recipes.
My favorite way to use coconut oil is in homemade deodorant.
Excellent use, Sue!
I like to use it for making pancakes for my kids
Mmmmm, delicious!
And I like to use on the ends of my hair to make them soft and smooth
I use it in any recipe that I can
I use it most in my homemade granola. I also use it in most all baked goods I make.
Just baked up a batch of granola this morning. Makes the house smell SO good! Thanks, Jaime!
I love this coconut oil!!! I would love to win!
Thanks, Christina!
Saw your giveaway on the TT facebook. I like to use coconut oil when I bake my pumpkin or banana bread.
I also like to use it for stir fries.
Oh boy – pumpkin bread sounds wonderful! With just a nice hint of coconut…yum!
No favorite recipe, but I love it in just about everything , especially scrambled eggs!
Thanks for visiting, Kristin! Sounds like you use coconut oil in lots of great ways!
I love to use it as a diaper cream! So much more effective than anything else I’ve tried!
And I don’t have a particular recipe, but I love it in scrambled eggs!
My favorite way to use coconut at the present time is in my homemade toothpaste. My teeth feel so clean after!
Oh my gosh! I’m learning so much about the uses of coconut oil! Toothpaste! That’s a new one to me!
I’m signed up for their newsletter…
Thanks, Billie!
Anything made with coconut oil is fantabulous!! I have tried many recipes and every single one has been scrumpdillyishes!!! Coconut oil is #1 with me!!!!
I totally agree, Jean! Such a versatile product!
I don’t have a favorite recipe for using coconut oil…I love using it in just about everything!
My favorite way to use coconut oil so far it as a moisturizer…however I’m planning on trying it as shaving gel soon!
Another new (to me) use of coconut oil! Shaving gel sounds like a great idea!
I use it to cook with and I like to eat it by the spoonful.
Hi Diane – thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Love love love the banana blueberry muffins I just made with whole wheat flour coconut oil and chia seeds! Would love to try the Tropical Traditions oil as I’ve heard great things!
You’re making me hungry, Andrea! Yum!
Cococut oil is the best!!
Can’t argue with that, Charlie!
I LOVE THIS GIVEWAY,THANKS TT!BE BLESSED!
I love to make stirfries with coconut oil, but I am eager to try it more in baked goods!
Oooh – stir fry sounds awesome!
I love to cook eggs and hashbrowns in coconut oil. Thanks!
Hi, Julie! Thanks for visiting!
My favorite coconut oil use is in my morning tea.
Though I use it most often in my tea, my favorite coconut oil recipe is for some chocolate power muffins I found on TT’s recipe blog.
Tea? Wow – never heard of that before! I’m learning a lot about how folks use coconut oil! Thanks, Holly!
I have never used coconut oil for cooking/baking before, so I don’t have a favorite recipe. I am going to have to look for some, or find out how to substitute for other oils.
Nicole, do yourself a favor and make a batch of cookies using coconut oil instead of another type of oil. So delicious. Thanks for stopping by!
I subscribe to the newsletter and would love to try some of these recipes!
Hi Elizabeth – there are tons of great recipes on the TT site. Happy cooking/baking!
I love tropical traditions and receive their newsletters and tips on Facebook
Thanks for stopping by, Aubri!
Didn’t see my comment yet – I signed up for the newsletter. Thank you for the chance to win! I love coconut oil, stir fry with it and eat it by the spoon but I have never tried this brand.
Thank YOU, Tammy! Glad you found the giveaway.
Love to use coconut oil in my beauty care applications. As far as favorite recipe, too many to pick.
I hear that, Stephanie!
I have yet to use coconut oil. I worked it into my budget and last weekend found a jar at the grocery so
Could try recipes I have been collecting. To win a jar sould be wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
I use Tropical Traditions coconut oil in almost all my recipes! I don’t really have a favorite recipe because this special oil makes everything better! I use it in sweet as well as savory things. I put it in yogurt after I’ve whisked in my honey. I fry with it. I use it in my cooked oatmeal. Goodness! Even the dog won’t eat his food unless he has his coconut on it! Lol!
Haha! I’d better keep it away from my dog – can’t afford for him to staring loving it, too!
Great giveaway! I would love some coconut oil!
Also, I love to use coconut oil in my truffles
The best! Thanks, Lindsay!
Love the purity of your coconut oil. One of the greatest health foods.
Agreed! Thanks, Carol!
Favourite recipe for coconut oil is the recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
rollerbeth at gmail dot com
Favourite use for coconut oil is as a skin moisturiser
rollerbeth at gmail dot com
I tried it for the first time last night! Lovely! Thanks, Beth.
Love cooking with Coconut oil…doesn’t burn like olive oil…great flavor for baking! We make these waffles http://realsustenance.com/grain-free-waffles-guest-post-from-against-all-grain-glutendairyrefined-sugar-free/ once a week! and I’m excited to try the new version with macadamia nuts instead! http://www.againstallgrain.com/2013/02/04/macadamia-waffles-with-fruit-syrup/
Love cooking with coconut oil! We make these at least once per week! http://realsustenance.com/grain-free-waffles-guest-post-from-against-all-grain-glutendairyrefined-sugar-free/ & we are excited to try this new version http://www.againstallgrain.com/2013/02/04/macadamia-waffles-with-fruit-syrup/
Waffles are just about my favorite food! Haven’t tried them grain-free yet, but those recipes sound fantastic! I’ll bet I can veganize them easily. Thanks for sharing and commenting!
I subscribed to your newsletter. I love using coconut oil.
Thanks, Alison!
I love coconut oil for baking. I sort of modified into newness a carrot muffin to use coconut oil and it is a favorite!
Sounds yum, Mary!
Would love some coconut oil, I’m currently out!!
Uh oh! Good thing the giveaway ends soon – good luck!!
I love baking sweet potato fries with it!
Another yummy idea! Thanks, Amanda
Oh, I also subscribe to the newsletter and follow them on FB!
I have made a wheat-free cornbread with corn meal and cooked rice (not vegan) and Tropical Traditions coconut oil is great in that.
I like to melt coconut oil, add cocoa or cacao, a sweetener, shredded coconut, and sometimes dried fruit. Cool in frig and it becomes a healthy sweet.
Sounds heavenly! Thanks, Judith!
I use coconut oil in everything instead of butter some time just for flavor i use half butter half coconut oil but not often love kale chips made with it do it everyday in the morning eat them all day
I have been a subscriber to TT for a few years now. Love their products, love their recipes!
My favorite recipe using coconut oils is a cinnamon bread recipe that I created. I love the flavor that the coconut oil adds!
Whoa! Sounds mighty tasty!
My favorite way to use coconut oil is to bake! I have not used it for anything but cooking/baking though.
Hi Stacy – thanks to all of the comments on this post, I’m planning on branching out and trying coconut oil for other applications. Though I have a feeling using it in baking will remain my favorite way to use it!
Love a spoonful of coconut oil in my coffee…
My favorite recipe with coconut oil is my egg breakfast that I eat nearly everyday…mmm sweet potatoes fried in c-nut oil.
That’s the third comment about using it to cook eggs – who would’ve thought
! Thanks, Paul.
I use coconut oil for ANY/EVERYTHING I can think of! It is most often used in our smoothies, for frying eggs or pancakes and baking. I also love to mix a spoonful into my coffee with cream….
My favorite recipe with Coconut Oil is for sprouted flour Pancakes! YUM!
Super yum!!
I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.
Thanks, Lydia!
I use coconut oil like lotion on my hands, knees and other rough spots as well as a lip balm.
I’ve just started using it as a moisturizer – wonderful!
i love coconut oil in my smoothies, pancakes, and cornbread!
my absolute favourite way to use coconut oil is on my skin! makes a great massage oil!
I’m learning so much! Thanks for commenting!
Your recipes look amazing! One of my favorite things to use coconut oil for is oil pulling. It has helped my teeth become much healthier and whiter too.
Thanks, Corah!
I like to peel and slice sweet potatoes, roll them in coconut oil and oven bake them. Sort of like fries, but not really though very good!
Just a note to connect my comment to the Rafflecopter: The Rafflecopter calls me ‘Margot’ since it is accessing my facebook where I am ‘Margot Core’; the Rafflecopter connects to this email: annazed10 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Sounds like a yummy way to eat sweet potatoes! Thanks for commenting
!
My absolute favorite way to use coconut oil is for a quick and gorgeous vegetable stir-fry. Everything looks colorful and beautiful.
I use coconut oil for everything-cooking, skin moisturizing, carrier oil for essential oils, and i even feed some to my dog to help combat dry skin!
I use coconut oil for everything-cooking, skin moisturizing, carrier oil for essential oils. I even feed it to my dog to help combat dry skin!
I use it to make whole wheat pie crust.
Great idea! I must try that.
My favorite way to use coconut oil is to mix it with cocoa and shredded coconut (or baking chocolate). Yummy coconut chocolate treats. I use coconut oil daily – great as a moisturizer, for frying and baking and in a zillion recipes! Sometimes I just eat it by the spoonful.
Love coconut oil! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love it with cocoa/chocolate as well – amazing! And I’ve just started using it as a moisturizer. Thanks for commenting, Deborah!
I love to make deep fried coconut shrimp in coconut oil
My favorite way to use it is stir fry and deep frying