Saturday, July 3, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Tropical Traditions Coconut Flakes CLOSED



I've had the pleasure of working with Tropical Traditions for a number of reviews. Every single thing I've tried has tasted fabulous, from virgin coconut oil and coconut cream concentrate to coconut peanut butter and organic raw honey. So, when they invited me to test another one of their products, I couldn't resist.

Tropical Traditions Dried Coconut is 100% natural, made from organic coconuts in the Philippines that are grown with no fertilizers or pesticides. This premium dried coconut contains no additives, preservatives or sweeteners. Unlike most dried coconut on the market, Tropical Traditions does not treat their products with sulfites to keep them white. You're getting pure coconut and only pure coconut!

Tropical Traditions offers three varieties of dried coconut: shredded coconut, coconut flakes and coconut chips. The shredded coconut is cut very small, making it perfect for baking things like macaroons. The coconut flakes are cut a bit larger, making them perfect for garnishes or toppings. Coconut Chips are the largest cut and can be used as a snack food or mixed with nuts and other dried fruits for trail mix. I had been dying to make a homemade coconut cream pie so I decided to go for the coconut flakes.

Sure enough, I found a great Coconut Cream Pie recipe on their site. However, instead of baking the crust from scratch, I settled for a ready-made graham cracker one.

Coconut Cream Pie

Ingredients:
1/2 cup whole sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded coconut or coconut flakes
1 tablespoon butter
2-1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons Coconut Cream Concentrate

Topping:
Whipped cream (optional)
Toasted coconut flakes (optional)

Combine sugar, cornstarch, and shredded coconut together in a pot and slowly pour the heavy cream into the pot over medium heat. Add vanilla, butter and coconut cream concentrate while stirring with a wire whisk constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to medium low. Continue stirring until mixture becomes very thick and turn the heat down to low. Cool the mixture in the pot with a cover for about 5 minutes. Pour mixture into cooled pie crust and place wax paper on the top of the pie to prevent skin formation on the filling. Wait until the filling is completely cool. Top pie with whipped cream and garnish with toasted coconut flakes (optional). Refrigerate until ready to serve.


Oh my goodness...this pie was simply heavenly! Plus, with my modification, it was no-bake so it was incredibly easy. It was so creamy and delicious. As a matter of fact, I think I preferred it to the store-bought ones!

To toast the coconut flakes, you can either spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown or you can use a skillet stove-top on medium low heat. I used the latter method (as it was faster) and they turned out perfectly.



The only thing I noticed is you'll want to let the pie set in the refrigerator overnight, or at least a few hours. I was too impatient and tried to cut through it after I thought it had cooled enough and it crumbled apart so much I had to use a spoon and scoop it out into a bowl. Oops! Still delicious even if the presentation was not so pretty.

These coconut flakes make a perfect summer topping to just about anything from muffins to salad to pasta. Next, I can't wait to try the Vanilla-Flecked Coconut Macaroons and the Strawberry Cream Pie. My mouth is watering at the very thought.

BUY IT: You can purchase the Organic Coconut Flakes (ARV $10.99/gallon) and other organic food products online exclusively at www.tropicaltraditions.com.

DELECTABLE DEAL: When you place your order, make sure you choose "referred by friend" from the "How did you hear about us?" drop-down box and reference my ID #5429861 to receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Jader Shilhavy!

WIN IT: Tropical Traditions is giving one lucky reader their own gallon bucket of organic coconut flakes!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me another product you'd love to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Tropical Traditions on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Win a gallon bucket of organic coconut flakes from @troptraditions and @kris10chumley! Ends 7/17 http://bit.ly/a38Pkq

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. (2 entries!)

4.) Become a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

6.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Don't forget if you add my event button by 7/5 and comment back on this post with the link, you can gain 10 extra giveaway entries! When you want to use one of these entries, simply leave a comment saying "Early Bird Button Entry #" or something similar.


7.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 17, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As mentioned above, I was sent a gallon of Organic Coconut Flakes from Tropical Traditions to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. I was under no obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review and mine and mine alone. Your experience may differ.

131 comments:

debbie said...

I would like to try their coconut water vinegar.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I get their newsletters.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I get their newsletters.2
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

BowieTip said...

I would like to experiment with using Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour as a basis for coconut macaroons. Organic and gluten free.

Anonymous said...

Another product I would love to try is the Organic Coconut Chips.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I just became a public follower of your blog through Google Friend Connect.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I just became a subscriber of your blog via Google Reader (RSS feed).
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I just became an email subscriber of your blog.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I follow both you and Tropical Traditions on Twitter and I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/17739332724

wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am a subscriber of the Tropical Traditions newsletter.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

peanut butter yumm

sweepmom said...

I would like to try the coconut peanutbutter.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/17791348888
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

llinda29 said...

I want to try Rapunzel Organic Bittersweet
Dark Swiss Chocolate

llinda29 said...

I sub to tt eamil 1

llinda29 said...

I sub to tt eamil 2

Denise S. said...

I'd like to try the Coconut Peanut Butter.

Denise S. said...

I get the Tropical Traditions newsletter #1
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

Denise S. said...

I get the Tropical Traditions newsletter #2
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

aledol said...

Their shampoo

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/17840384040

aledol said...

GFC

aledol said...

G rd~fd

aledol said...

TT sub 1)

aledol said...

TT sub 2)

aledol said...

FB

aledol said...

http://4tmama.blogspot.com
Birthday button Seasonal

elango said...

I would like to try the pastured chicken to see how much of a difference there is compared to normal grocery store chicken.

elango said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (#1)

elango said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (#2)

elango said...

Following both of you on twitter and tweeted for 7/6. http://twitter.com/elangomatt/status/17849365167

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/17865855461
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Missybeez said...

I would like the Coconut flour.

honeybeez80@yahoo.com

Missybeez said...

Subscriber to the Tropical Traditions newsletter


honeybeez80@yahoo.com

Missybeez said...

Subscriber to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #2


honeybeez80@yahoo.com

Sue said...

I'd love the Coconut Peanut Butter. Thank you for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Sue said...

TT newsletter subscriber. #1

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Sue said...

TT newsletter subscriber. #2

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/17949699262
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Melissa said...

I'd love to try the Coconut Peanut Butter.

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18001571607

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18033464029
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I would also like to try the Coconut Cream Concentrate from the TT website.
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I follow you and TT on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/kahluaii
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter.
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I am a fan of TT on Facebook.
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I like Goodie Goodie Dumbdrops on Facebook.
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I subscribed via email.
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Amber said...

I am a gfc follower.
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com

Sue said...

I'd love to try the Coconut Peanut Butter.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Sue said...

TT newsletter subscriber. #1

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Sue said...

TT newsletter subscriber. #2

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Sue D said...

I would like to try their coconut peanut butter.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Sue D said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #1.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Sue D said...

I subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter #2.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Jackie said...

I would love to try their coconut peanut butter, sounds yummy.
jacqueline285@yahoo.com

Missie said...

I would love to try their seasoning packets. I love TT.

Missie said...

I subscribe to the TT newsletter.

Missie said...

I am a fan of TT on FB

Missie said...

I liked you on FB

oops, been forgetting to leave my email!

melissa974@earthlink.net

Missie said...

I follow you on gfc.

melissa974@earthlink.net

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18129767663
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

CasualCrafter said...

I visited the Tropical Traditions website, and would love to try their coconut peanut butter. I also subscribed to their newsleter.
Thanks

mkeele(at)hotmail(dot)com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18159330510

Jessica said...

I would also like to try their Organic Coconut Peanut Butter
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I subscribe to your blog via e-mail
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Tradition newsletter 1
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Tradition newsletter 2
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I like Tropical Traditions on facebook (Jessica Wagner)
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I like your blog on facebook (Jessica Wagner)
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I follow through twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/jjak2003/statuses/18218139502
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

The NEW Mommiez Blend said...

I would luv to try their laundry detergent.

newmommiez at gmail dot com

-Chelle

The NEW Mommiez Blend said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

newmommiez at gmail dot com

-Chelle

The NEW Mommiez Blend said...

I subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter.

newmommiez at gmail dot com

-Chelle

2

The NEW Mommiez Blend said...

I 'like' Tropical Traditions on Facebook under my personal page. I can verify if needed.

newmommiez at gmail dot com

-Chelle

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18241061543

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18321410033
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18350395514
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18372740196

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18429094279

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18442635835
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

rah267 said...

crazyred61@yahoo.com
I want to try coconut peanut butter

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18520532594
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'd like to try the Rapunzel Organic Bittersweet
Dark Swiss Chocolate

macd9900 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I want to try the Dish Liquid.

hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

Unknown said...

I'm a follower.

hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18734480381

Louis H said...

I really like the Certified Organic Canadian Raw Honey

Louis H said...

following you both on twitter at rosidentevil
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/18742977690

Louis H said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (same email as in my profile)

Louis H said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter (same email as in my profile) 2

Louis H said...

I like Tropical Traditions on FaceBook (louis huff) :)

Louis H said...

I like Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on FaceBook (louis huff) :)

Valancia said...

Organic Apple Sauce.
skyxsky27(at)gmail.com

Valancia said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #1

Valancia said...

Subscribed to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. #2

Valancia said...

I Become a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook. id valancia arrelya

Valancia said...

I Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. id- Valancia Arrelya

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/beefbroth/status/18772079439
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

saturdaynightfever said...

I would like to try the Organic Fusilli Pasta!

edgenemmers@gmail.com

matt4melis said...

I'd love to try the shampoo bar

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

follow your blog

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

subscribe via reader

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

Follow you and Tropical Traditions on Twitter and tweet

http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/18789343112

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter -1

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter -2

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

matt4melis said...

"Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis

matt4melis at hotmail dot com

demmi said...

I like to try the teeth cleaner

Chrystal said...

I would love to try the Dark Chocolate with Almonds.

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Chrystal said...

Follow both on Twitter- @chryskay

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/chryskay/status/18791379668

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Chrystal said...

Follow publicly via Google Friend Connect

chrystaljns (at) gmail (dot) com

Haylee said...

I'm dying to try the coconut PB

happy_haylee_3@hotmail.com

Haylee said...

following on twitter and tweeted:http://twitter.com/happy_haylee_3/status/18799334441

happy_haylee_3@hotmail.com

Haylee said...

fan of trop traditions on facebook (anna anderson)

happy_haylee_3@hotmail.com

Haylee said...

fan of you on facebook (anna anderson)

happy_haylee_3@hotmail.com

Haylee said...

added your bday button: http://giveaway-gal.blogspot.com/

happy_haylee_3@hotmail.com

Donna said...

I would like the coconut cream.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

follower
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

2.I subscribed to their newsletter.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I am a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I liked you on facebook.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I follow antweeted:
http://twitter.com/donnak4/status/18810585072
donna444444@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I would love to try the Bhutanese Red Rice. garrettsambo@aol.com

cman said...

I'd love to try their coconut flour.

cman said...

I am a TT newsletter subscriber.

aledol said...

http://twitter.com/aleshamom4/status/18811677467

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