I received a great book & jar of virgin coconut oil from Tropical Traditions not too long ago. I had never cooked with coconut oil before, so I was a little intimidated at first.  But, as with all new, gluten-free products, I go in with an open mind.  I just decided to jump right in & begin experimenting. 

First, I read the book that was sent along.  It is called “Virgin Coconut Oil” written by Brian & Marianita Jade Shilhavy.  This books talks a lot about the health benefits & healing powers of virgin coconut oil.  From the website:

Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives, and how it can change yours!! is the most practical book written on the health benefits of coconut oil. Based on years of research and the experience of Brian and Marianita Shilhavy, this book documents how tropical cultures eating a diet high in the saturated fat of coconut oil enjoy long healthy lives. It also shows how a premium Virgin Coconut Oil has changed thousands of lives outside the tropics.

First I used the virgin coconut oil in place of olive oil when roasting vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.  You may also have seen me use it in a few recipes lately on my blog, such as:  Super-Charge Me Cookies or Cocoa Coconut Chili.  I really enjoyed the foods that I made using the virgin coconut oil and see myself continuing to use it in the future.  There is another recipe in the book that I am anxious to try – Coconut Cream Cheese Squares.  That recipe uses coconut flour and coconut oil.  I need to go through my stash of gluten-free flours before I am permitting myself to buy anymore.  Remember the pantry?

You can order the virgin coconut oil straight from Tropical Traditions.  You can see their weekly sales here.  On top of a great product, Tropical Traditions also has great customer service.  My coconut oil was damaged & lost during shipping.  I called them upon receipt of my package and they immediately sent a new package out.