Is coconut oil really all it claims to be?
I’ve heard great things about coconut oil and the benefits of using it in replacement of other oils. For instance, coconut oil is full of antioxidants and resists mutations of fatty acid chains when cooked at high temperatures, unlike some other oils. I am always skeptical of claims to products and I like to try things first before I believe what a company or anyone else has too say about it. So, I asked Tropical Traditions if I could try a sample and they generously sent me a jar of Virgin Coconut Oil. (Thanks TT!)
Now that I have it, what do I do with it?
I had the jar in hand but had no idea where to start. Will everything taste like coconut? Can I replace it 1-to-1 with any other oil? Help! Luckily, Tropical Traditions had a great recipe page to help me get started.
The Test Run – Island Rice with Chicken
- 3 large boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger or dried
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cups organic brown basmati rice
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 large organic carrots, finely shredded
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced, with juices
- 1/3 cup organic dried coconut
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 -3 chives, chopped
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce or bok choi
- Optional: 1/3 cup of your favorite nut (cashews, peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
Thin out chicken breasts, drizzle on a little coconut oil, and season with garlic, ginger, and onion powder. Sprinkle on some dried coconut and sesame seeds (to taste) and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
Bring to a boil 7 cups of water, ¼ cup coconut oil, remaining salt and diced onion. Add rice, boil on high until half water level evaporates. Stir twice; bring heat down to a simmer and cover. Do not over stir. It should be cooked within 20 minutes.
Grill chicken just until cooked through. Cut or shred into small pieces. Keep in cooking juices.
When rice is cooked, place in large deep platter or casserole dish. Layer ingredients over rice in this order: celery, carrots, chicken, pineapple with the juice, coconut, sesame seeds, chives, lettuce, and nuts. You may also drizzle some soy sauce and/or sweet and sour sauce if desired.
Cover and keep in hot oven 15 minutes before serving.
I discovered:
The recipe turned out great. We had dinner guests over, so I was super nervous about a new recipe and a new ingredient! But I had nothing to worry about, it was a delicious meal. Lots of fresh ingredients and tasty. I couldn’t taste the coconut oil myself, but wouldn’t have minded if I did! It’s an island meal, right? I am looking forward to cooking more dinners, desserts, soups and apps with the oil! It is definitely an all purpose oil!
Free Virgin Coconut Oil Book with purchase!
Tropical Traditions has a terrific referral program. If you make a first-time purchase and say you were referred by a friend (me) User ID: 6417979 on your online order you will receive a FREE copy of Virgin Coconut Oil Book-it has over 85 recipes! By using my ID, I will receive a coupon for a product. If you do use my ID – Here is my HUGE THANK YOU in advance!
Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.
I’m a fan of any coconut recipe!
the no bake oatmeal cookies look appealing
I would try the Zippy Coconut Almond Tilapia, but substitute halibut.
I am a foodie who has never cooked with Coconut Oil would love to win this to create a recipe with!
I’d like to make the coconut treasure cookies.
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Easy choice, I love coffee so I really want to try the Iced Coconut Mocha Cappuccino recipe! 🙂 Thank you.
Coconut Pie Crust recipe.
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I would like to try the Coconut Treasure Cookies.
The Coconut Treasure Cookies caught my eye and now I’m drooling!
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I would love to try the Coconut Macaroons.
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I’d love to try the coconut/peanut butter cookies. Two of my most favorite things!!
I am a follower.
I would like to try the cashew coconut creamer recipe. PS I’m following from Monday Mingle.
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The coconut banana french toast. I have a feeling my sometimes picky twin toddlers would scarf this down.
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no bake oatmeal cookies
I’d make the macaroons, I haven’t made that yet…
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I would like to try the Coconut Lime Tuna Steaks. They sound sooo good!.
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Can’t wait to get my coconut creme~!~
I’d make a great Thai soup with coconut milk, veggies (often squash, always onion; celery is great, brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli, too); it’s good with chicken or fish; add lots of dried or fresh basil!
<3
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I tweeted about this giveaway on Twitter.
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I would try the Carrot Coconut Raisin Salad recipe.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
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I would love to try the coconut banana pancakes!! yum !!!
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I subscribe on Facebook. I am trying this Island Chicken recipe tonight!!!
I want to try the iced coconut mocha cappucino!!!
I would love to try the Apple Chicken Stir-fry recipe.
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iced coconut mocha cap. it’s flippin hot out!
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I’m now a FaceBook follower! LOVE THIS BLOG!
The Pumpkin-Coconut Bars sound yummy! I honestly can’t decide which recipe I would try FIRST. They all sound great, and there are some that I can tell will be favorites of mine. Can’t wait to strt cooking!
I just subscribed to the Newsletter! Yay!
i’d love to try the coconut pie crust. I bet its a lot healthier than using shortening. I’d also like to try the candy featured on the video for coconut cream.
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I want to make Coconut Treasure Cookies
My word– pick a favorite recipe?! The coconut pudding squares look amazing, as do the cookies, and the hummus, and….I have to pick one?? 🙂
I have to try the Coconut Treasure Cookies! Sounds delicious and I already love my cocnut oil for my skin!
I would love to try the Coconut Treasure Cookies too!
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I would like to try the coconut banana pancakes as well as everything else!
🙂
i would love to try the coconut cookies
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I really want to try the coconut banana french toast. What a yummy sounding breakfast.
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The peanut butter banana kefir smoothie looks very interesting.
coconut banana pancakes
I would like to try the recipe for Rhubarb Strawberry pie with coconut oil pie crust.
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I would love to try the Coconut Tropical Bliss Smoothie!
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I’d love to try the Coconut Peanut Butter Cookie recipe.
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Coconut Macaroons using Tropical Traditions Shredded Coconut.
Chocolate chip cookies!
Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies, I want to bake them right now.
I LOVE to try a Strawberry Vanilla Coconut Smoothie and add some vodka!!
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I really like the Amazing Coconut Carrot Cake Recipe
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We would probably like the Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter cookies.
The coconut pudding squares look yummy to me. tesashel225 (@) aol (dot.com)
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I would like to try the coconut peanut butter cookies.
I would like to try Strawberry Vanilla Coconut Smoothie
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The Strawberry Vanilla Coconut Smoothie would be my choice!
I’d love to try the Coconut Rosemary Meatloaf recipe.
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I’d love to try the Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies.
I’d love to try the Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies!
I’d like to try the coconut peanut butter cookies.
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I would love to try the Coconut Fruit Smoothie.
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I would make coconut curry shrimp. Yum!!
i would love to try the coconut peanut butter cookies recipe
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Coconut Peanut Butter Cookies… yummified!
Classic Coconut Macaroons! Thanks.
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I’d like to try the Chicken Cacciatore.
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Coconut Cream Cheese Squares Recipe
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Oh I ‘d love to try the coconut pudding squares. Thank you for this opportunity to win.