Those of you who have been around here a while know about my love affair with coconut oil. So when Tropical Traditions gave me the opportunity to try out their coconut oil, I jumped on it. I couldn’t wait to see for myself what the buzz was about their Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil.
I started using coconut oil a few years ago when I was dabbling with Nourishing Traditions and trying to eat healthier overall. Not all of the habits stuck, but coconut oil is still a regular in my kitchen. If you’ve never cooked or baked with it before, you must try it. It substitutes beautifully for butter without any gross chemicals like margarine has. It has a high smoke point, too, so you can cook with it and not worry about burning as easily (like olive oil). Or you can just rub it all over your body after a hot shower. Your skin will feel so soft and you’ll smell YUM.
What’s wonderful about Tropical Traditions’s Virgin Coconut Oil is that it is handmade traditionally. No hexane here! (Something to keep in mind with traditional cooking oils: many use hexane to extract the oil for you. Do you really want a petroleum-based chemical used to get your food?) I will leave it to the folks at Tropical Traditions to explain more about their coconut oil in this YouTube video, “How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil – An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions.” It’s pretty fascinating (and a short video, too).
Suffice it to say, they put out a quality product that I would be happy to keep in my kitchen. I like that they have it in glass jars, so you don’t have to worry about what kind of plastic they’re using and if it’s leeching any unhealthy junk into the oil. And even though virgin coconut oils (being less refined) tend to have more coconut-y flavor, it is not overpowering. It blends well into baked goods, giving just a little hint that there’s a coconut, rather than butter, base, but not to distraction. I made a savory dish with it as well and it did not seem like dessert at all. I wouldn’t have a problem using this as my all-purpose cooking and baking oil.
So you know already that I use coconut oil. You can search my recipes and you’ll find it scattered throughout the collection (my favorite, thus far, being this one). But how about something new and easy? This recipe is an adaptation of something I’m sure I read in Nourishing Traditions, but seeing as I can no longer locate my copy, I can’t check it for veracity. All you need are three ingredients–coconut oil, red-skinned potatoes, and fleur de sel (or some other sea salt)–and with a little planning, you can have a very tasty treat. Cottage Fries, without frying. I love these!
- 2-4 Tbsp Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil, melted
- 4-5 red-skinned potatoes
- 2-4 pinches fleur de sel (or other sea salt)
- Set oven rack to the middle and preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 9×13 baking dish and spread 1-2 Tbsp of the melted coconut oil in the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
- Wash, but do not skin, your potatoes. Cut them into roughly ¼″ slices and arrange them in one layer in the baking dish. Brush the other 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil over the tops of the potatoes. Sprinkle with 1-2 pinches of fleur de sel. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes have passed, flip the potato slices. Sprinkle with another 1-2 pinches of fleur de sel and return to the oven for another 20 minutes. Leave on the middle rack and broil for 5 minutes or so. Serve immediately.
How do you get your own Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil so you can make this and all those other great coconut oil recipes I have on my blog?
You can order through the link below–and you’ll even get a complimentary copy of Tropical Tradition’s Virgin Coconut Oil book when you order through this link:
32-oz. – Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil – 1 quart
In addition, Tropical Traditions has agreed to give one of my lucky readers a FREE jar of their coconut oil!
Isn’t that great?!
In order to qualify for the FREE quart of coconut oil, you need to leave a comment telling me what you’re most looking forward to doing with your coconut oil. It could be something from the Free Coconut Recipes blog that Tropical Traditions publishes or your own creation. Either way, I’d love to hear all about it!
There are bonus entries available!
Bonus Entries: Leave a separate comment for each of these that you have completed.
1) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions email newsletter
2) Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter
3) Follow poet in the pantry on Twitter
4) “Like” poet in the pantry on Facebook
5) Subscribe to the poet in the pantry RSS feed
Entries will be accepted until 9PM EST on Thursday, July 7, 2011. Winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will be contacted via the email address provided and will have 24 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within that time-frame, another winner will be selected via random.org. Tropical Traditions will ship the coconut oil directly to the winner. Please note, your shipping address must be located in the United States or Canada in order to qualify.
Congratulations, Jesse Miles! You won the coconut oil giveaway!
Entries to this giveaway are now closed. Thank you for your interest.
Please note: I originally stated that the Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil is cold-pressed. This was an error on my part. I have been advised that while it is not cold-pressed, it is handmade traditionally. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Disclosure: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. The link to order is an affiliate link and will earn a referral credit.
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56 comments
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AmyRuth
30 June, 2011 at 11:34 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ya know, I follow them on twitter. However, I’ve never used their product. Nevermind that I’ve never baked or cooked with coconut oil. Hmmm Now, I am curiouser. he he
Hope you are feeling better and best wishes for your recovery.
btw your cottage fries look delicious and I want ketchup with mine.
AmyRuth
Sara
1 July, 2011 at 12:05 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve been so curious to try this out! I’d definitely start with cookies, perhaps lemon or just good ole chocolate chip! Thanks, this is so cool!
Topper
1 July, 2011 at 2:35 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I keep seeing recipes for making mayo with coconut oil. That will be the first thing I try!
Topper
1 July, 2011 at 2:35 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions email newsletter
Topper
1 July, 2011 at 2:36 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I like poet in the pantry on Facebook
Topper
1 July, 2011 at 2:37 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribed to the poet in the pantry RSS feed via google reader
Meryl
1 July, 2011 at 4:46 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’d love to make a dark chocolate cake with coconut oil!
Louis S.
1 July, 2011 at 4:46 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
A lemon coconut cake.
Andrea
1 July, 2011 at 10:34 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would love to try making these cottage fries… I love anything potatoes and anything coconut
Andrea
1 July, 2011 at 10:35 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am already suscribed to Tropical Traditions newsletter!
Jenny
1 July, 2011 at 12:00 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never used coconut oil before – but I love coconut- so I will hit google and find something great to make.
May
1 July, 2011 at 12:48 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would use it on my body!! and bake with it!!! whooo hoooo !
May
1 July, 2011 at 12:50 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
get the email…….:)
May
1 July, 2011 at 12:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
rss feed……i would make delicious cakes, cookies, and bars!!
Claire
1 July, 2011 at 1:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Id love to make the whole wheat bread loaf.
Claire
1 July, 2011 at 1:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
1) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions email newsletter
Klee
1 July, 2011 at 4:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would substitute coconut oil for butter, other oils, and shortening in my baking. Playing around and experimenting with something new is my favorite!
Klee
1 July, 2011 at 4:32 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am subscribed to the email newsletter!
Klee
1 July, 2011 at 4:33 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am also now subscribed to Poet in the Pantry via Google Reader!
Becky
1 July, 2011 at 4:54 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I use coconut oil in everything, but my favorite is too stir fry up some veggies. They taste so good in coconut oil. Or use it in place of butter on toast or waffles.
Amy Siu
1 July, 2011 at 5:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh, I’d use it for both cooking and moisturizing!
Amy
1 July, 2011 at 5:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
And I just signed up for the newsletter: thanks for the giveaway!
Jenny Loveridge
1 July, 2011 at 5:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Pina Colada cookies and Thai curry!
Susie D.
1 July, 2011 at 10:25 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love coconut oil. That Nourishing Traditions book has changed a lot of the ways we eat. We’re using whole milk and butter again!
I’d love to try this brand, I have only used Nutiva. I use this for anything that calls for oil, but first I’d try it straight out of the jar! 
Laura L.
1 July, 2011 at 11:50 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I want to make peanut butter cups with coconut oil!
Laura L.
1 July, 2011 at 11:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Following Tropical Traditions on Twitter
Laura L.
1 July, 2011 at 11:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Following poet in the pantry on Twitter
Laura L.
1 July, 2011 at 11:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I “Like” poet in the pantry on Facebook
Christina
2 July, 2011 at 10:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m looking forward to being able to use this product to make things for my sister while she is nursing my new niece. Apparently babies can be lactose intolerant.
alex
2 July, 2011 at 10:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i want to make socca!
alex
2 July, 2011 at 10:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
subscribed to newsletter!
Justine
2 July, 2011 at 10:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would make smoothies!!
Jenny
2 July, 2011 at 11:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I haven’t seen coconut oil anywhere on the grocery shelves in alaska. I’ve been seeing the rebirth of coconut oil, but I haven’t been able to play!
karen
4 July, 2011 at 12:53 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have never tried coconut oil and am really interested in it. I think I would use it first for baking, maybe a banana bread.
Thanks for the giveaway!
karenreichmann@hotmail.com
Kelly Williams
4 July, 2011 at 12:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I will use iron daily cooking and to make popcorn.
Kelly Williams
4 July, 2011 at 12:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribe to tropical traditions newsletter
Kelly Williams
4 July, 2011 at 12:36 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribe to TT on twitter
Kelly Williams
4 July, 2011 at 12:37 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribe to the poets tds feed
Sherry Barkin
4 July, 2011 at 1:58 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would like to enter the bonus drawing for Gold Label Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
I like your recipe for Mexican Beef & Summer Squash Casserole and would like to try it first.
thank you, Sherry Barkin
ironchefman
4 July, 2011 at 2:15 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I had no idea coconut oil was so versatile! I would definitely want to try a sweet treat, maybe the “cookies for the lonely”, only because the title is so charming
Liz Schneider
4 July, 2011 at 4:44 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My teen daughter is following Weight Watchers and has done marvelously. I was reminded about coconut oil by a friend of mine and realized that by introducing it into my family diet, all of us will become healthier. And my daughter enjoys baking so I’d love to see what she does with it!
Liz
Gina Tallent
5 July, 2011 at 9:41 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions email newsletter.
Gina Tallent
5 July, 2011 at 9:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Following Tropical Traditions on Twitter.
Gina Tallent
5 July, 2011 at 9:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Following poet in the pantry on Twitter.
Gina Tallent
5 July, 2011 at 9:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I “Like” poet in the pantry on Facebook.
Gina Tallent
5 July, 2011 at 9:46 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribed to Poet in the Pantry RSS feed.
Gina Tallent
5 July, 2011 at 9:48 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There are lots of things I would like to try but I think the first thing would be brownies using my 7 year old daughters recipe and modifying it to use the coconut oil:)
Jesse Miles
5 July, 2011 at 11:53 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have heard coconut oil is an amazing lotion/skin softener and I would love to try it on my skin!!!
Jesse Miles
5 July, 2011 at 11:54 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribe to the TT newsletter!
Jesse Miles
5 July, 2011 at 11:54 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I follow TT on Twitter!
Jesse Miles
5 July, 2011 at 11:55 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I follow poet in the pantry on twitter!
Jesse Miles
5 July, 2011 at 11:57 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I subscribe to poet in the pantry RSS~
Tiffany
5 July, 2011 at 1:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would love to bake with the coconut oil… a tart perhaps emphasizing the coconut flavor by also including coconut milk and coconut flour!
Emily @ Life on Food
5 July, 2011 at 3:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I use coconut all of the time for baking. Never thoought of using it with potatoes. I think if I win I will have to give this a try. I will probably give it a try regardless though, they look delicious!
Elyse @The Cultural Dish
6 July, 2011 at 5:26 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh these look so good! I love this simple recipe… they look so tasty! I’ve only used coconut oil a few times before, but I loved it! I would want to try adding it into my chocolate chip cookies!
Meemz
7 July, 2011 at 9:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am convinced that industrialized oils have been the villains in my diet so I have switched to coconut oil. Plus, the one thing I miss most of all are fries, so your recipe
couldn’t have come at a better time to keep me from going into withdrawal.
Organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil | Tropical Traditions Special Deals
4 July, 2011 at 5:22 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] Poet in the Pantry is giving away a 32 oz Organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! [...]
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