BEAUTY BITES

PHOTOS/POST: NORAH CURLEE

We are spreading the love today with three versions of our newest obsession: coconut spread! Who knew when you thoroughly blend raw shredded coconut, you are left with a butter like consistancy perfect for topping toast, crackers or any other usual suspect. Well, we know now! We want to put this stuff on just about everything, and since coconut is the main (and pretty much the only) ingredient, you will be reaping many a beauty benefit!

Coconut spread contains minimal ingredients and is super easy to make! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 ounces of raw unsweetended coconut
• 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

THE PROCESS:

In a blender add your coconut, vanilla and coconut oil. Blend a little at a time, stirring in between pulses until you are left with a paste or almond butter-like texture!

Once you have your plain coconut butter, now comes the fun part. Add whatever you want! We’ve made three flavors by mixing in smashed blackberries, chopped fresh figs and cacao nibs. This is your chance to get creative and add in whatever your little heart desires.

So far we’ve used this on toasts and in place of butter– aka: melting some into our oatmeal. No doubt it would be great on top of ice cream or gelato! So many uses for this deliciousness!

This is a cute handmade gift for a vegetarian/vegan friend, too! Just add some handwritten labels to the jars to identify each flavor.

As you may remember, this isn’t the first time coconut has made its way onto the TBD beauty plate, and for good reason. Between all the antioxidants that are great for the skin, hair and nails plus all the hydration benefits of coconut, it’s safe to say that it may be our favorite beauty bite ingredient of all time (gasp!). You heard us.

This is a new discovery for us so we hope some of you will try it out for yourselves! If you do decide to venture out into the coconut butter world, do show us on twitter @tbdofficial or instagram @thebeautydept. #beautybites #prettyontheinside