Orange Cacao Macaroons

um, i cannot stay away from the dehydrator when these are inside. . . and if there were ever a struggle to decide who gets to lick the bowl clean after mixing them. . . I'd win.

So. . .

3 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut

1/2 cup agave ( maple syrup, honey or yacon would work also- pick your sweetener!)

1 teaspoon celtic sea salt

1-2 heaping tablespoons cacao powder

the juice of one orange

optional: a cacao/orange larabar (mashed up into tiny pieces and mixed in for an extra yummy treat)

a spoonful of coconut butter for added creaminess and flavor (if you use the amazing artisana brand) but it's definitely not necessary

Mix all ingredients together by hand in a bowl and chill for a bit to make them stick together better when you drop them by spoonfuls onto the dehydrator trays. They go faster without the teflex sheet underneath, so that's why chilling is helpful.

It's also incredible just like this (and honestly i'm not crazy about dehydrated food, so often just eat this as is. . . use as topping for banana ice cream, or roll into "raw cookie dough" balls. . . oh the possibilities!!

If you dehydrate them, 115 for however long it takes until they're how you like then- up to 24 hours for really crunchy cookies, or less for crispy on the outside and soft on the inside PERFECT macaroons!

Enjoy. . .