Getting ready for some baking this holiday season? Try Coconut Oil!

Like fashion trends, food trends are cyclical, and coconut oil is back these days like a pair of neon leg warmers. It was reviled in the mid-'90s as the artery-clogging, cholesterol-raising secret behind delicious movie theater popcorn. Now coconut oil has made a stealthy comeback—and this time around, it’s being considered by many as a health food.

Coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fat that contains lauric acid, which has not been shown to be related to heart disease. In fact, lauric acid is naturally present in breast milk. It’s easily digested, protects babies’ gastro-intestinal tracts, and can be used to help patients who have had gastro-intestinal surgery. Lauric acid has also been shown to boost immune systems. 

Coconut oil is primarily made of saturated fat, like butter, which is why it is solid at room temperature. The more saturated a particular fat is, the higher its melting point and the more likely it is to be solid at room temperature. Although coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it melts easily at about body temperature. Coconut oil does not have a coconut flavor and can be substituted for butter, vegetable shortening or any solid fat without dramatically changing the flavor of the recipe.

Chill the coconut oil to solidify it, especially in the summer and for recipes calling for solid butter. You may store the oil in the refrigerator to prevent it from softening or melting in the heat of the kitchen. Determine the amount of butter needed by reading your recipe. Measure coconut oil in a one-to-one ratio and substitute it for butter in your recipe. For example, if your recipe calls for ½ cup of butter, use ½ cup of coconut oil.

Aside from baking, Coconut Oil has so many uses and here at Le Reve we offer our Hand and Foot Coconut Treatment that gently sloughs off dead skin while infusing skin with potent antioxidants. Followed up with a hand and foot massage using Coconut Oil to help replenish and nourish your skin. 


Check out our website to see all of our other services and book yourself this delish treatment today! Have a fabulous one! 

xxAshley, Esthetician with Le Reve Organic and Boutique