Every two weeks we share all the stuff we’ve recently enjoyed – from the latest TV shows to must-try foods, gorgeous makeup and the most exciting spots to visit in New Zealand.
Raw Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut and Avocado Oil with Turmeric and Lemon, COCAVO
Just the name of the product speaks volumes. It has all the right healthy ingredients and a high smoke point which is perfect for cooking.
Cocavo also has less saturated fat than regular coconut oil and offers the added health benefits of avocado oil which includes high levels of mono-saturated fat, vitamin E and plant sterols. The clever use of infused turmeric and lemon zest oils breaks the ‘coconutty’ taste that you sometimes get from straight coconut oils and gives a beautiful, subtle flavour to the food. We experimented a bit and tried a spoonful in smoothies (couldn’t taste anything but grateful for the superfood boost) and stirred a tablespoon through a pasta dish which gave it a lovely texture and subtle lemon flavour. It works particularly well with Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.
The product comes in other flavours – Chilli and Lime; Cilantro, Lime and Ginger and there’s even one infused with raw garlic which we hope to try next.
Usually, at room temperature, Cocavo is a green solid but with the recent hot days it has turned a bit gloopy – nothing that a bit of refrigeration can’t fix.
The full range of Cocavo products can be purchased via their website.
Nut butters, Willis and Co
Peanut butter is a staple ingredient in most pantries and although the ingredients seem to be the same, they do taste different. Launched in January last year – just in time for lockdown – are the Willis and Co Nut Butters which come in three different varieties – peanut, cashew and almond. Lovingly made right here in New Zealand with no added extra ingredients, preservative-free and no added salt, these nut butters have already taken off. And, if a bottle isn’t big enough, try a 2kg bucket!
We tried the nut butters in smoothies, baked peanut butter cookies, whipped up a satay mix and even added them to bliss ball recipes – all were divine.
You can order the nut butters via their Facebook page.
Trail mixes, Chantal Organics
Chantal Organics has just released two new trail mixes to their snackfood category – Almond & Plum Macaroon and Cashew & Cranberry Crumble.
We love the fact that these mixes are not only organic but also free from sulphites. The Almond & Plum Macaroon trail mix has coconut chips, pumpkin seeds, sultanas, crunchy almonds, creamy cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt to offset the tartness of dried plum.
The Cashew & Cranberry Crumble is packed with nuts, honey-dipped bananas, small chunks of dark chocolate, cranberries and nuts.
In spite of good intentions, the trail mixes didn’t quite make it onto the Christmas party shared grazing platter – they were too delicious to share with everyone. Sorry!
