For the past few weeks, excluding the Christmas break, I’ve been calling Mr NQN at work sounding like a completely different person. In fact, when I call him, I sound like a parrot. I’m not sure why, but I think it was because our daily conversations about whether he needed lunch for the next day and what time he was getting home were getting routine and dull and I wanted to change them a little. So each day around lunchtime, I would clear my throat, ring his number and say in my best parrot voice “‘Ello! ‘Ello!” followed by “Polly Want A Cracker?”
His response depended on his mood and how much work he had on. Sometimes, there would be a big sigh edged with regret for picking up the call, other times he would speak to me as if I were a parrot calling him. This carried on for a few days until he eventually asked me why I was speaking like a parrot. I told him “I want you to get the complete parrot experience!” which I said spreading my arms and grinning widely. He looked at me as if I were a mad woman unleashed.
This week however, I’ve been quieter. No, I haven’t lost my voice, but I’m editing the book again. Last year, my book didn’t get published due to delays at Penguin. This year, I have been reassured that we are on track for a Mother’s Day release for the last week of April! 
Even though everything was written and sent electronically, when this final edit was emailed to me, I couldn’t see any of the edits or comments. After much toing and froing, we finally ascertained that the only way for me to read the edited manuscript properly is not to read it on the computer, but to do it old skool. It had to be printed out on double sided paper, clipped together and I then write my corrections on it in pen!
So this week, I sit nestling a cup of tea and my paper manuscript and some of this low sugar coconut and raspberry fudge. This is a recipe that was sent to me by a fellow baking enthusiast George, and she spoke of how easy and delicious it was. I had some issues with my food processor-it didn’t quite get it to the creamy buttery stage but it was still really good. You will of course have to adjust your expectations somewhat – it isn’t one of those tooth achingly sweet fudges where you can feel the crystals of sugar grinding on your teeth. This is a low sugar number, with just a little bit of honey (or you can omit it completely if you want to make it vegan).
It is one of those satisfying little numbers though that is perfect for some low sugar snacking in the afternoon. I call it masquerade fudge because it does just that. It’s also raw and vegan and tastes quite similar to those raw, vegan cakes that you can buy nowadays but can never quite figure out how to make. Plus, I don’t know anyone that hasn’t made a fitness related resolution, and this will fit into any sorts of plans.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you watching what you eat after Christmas? And are there any New Year’s resolutions for you? I never make them, do you?
Low Sugar Coconut & Raspberry Fudge
Adapted from GormandizewithA-dizzle & K-bobo
Ingredients
- 2 cups desiccated coconut, unsweetened
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- 1 ripe banana (the riper, the better), chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons raw honey (according to taste)-use agave if you want it to be vegan
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (I used a Heilala vanilla paste that was sent to me)
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 3/4 cup whole fresh or frozen raspberries, in pieces
1. Place the coconut in a food processor. I have a regular food processor and it took quite a while. You will want to get to a coconut butter stage-those very new food processors get there is about five minutes but a regular one will get there in ten minutes with some water added to help it along. Just be sure to stop after two minutes each time to stop burning out your motor.
2. Once you get to a nut buttery stage (mine still had bits of coconut in it), then add the banana, honey, vanilla and cinnamon and pulse until blended. Remove the blade and stir in the raspberries.
3. Line a plastic takeaway container with cling wrap and spoon the mix into the lined container. Freeze for about 10 minutes or you can leave frozen,cut into pieces and then thaw out for about 20 minutes.
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73 Comments | Add your own
I’m so excited for your book!
This fudge is just perfectly lovely!
Awesome! This healthy fudge looks amazing and must taste absolutely divine.
Cheers,
Rosa
What a fun fudge! I would eat the whole recipe while proof-reading. Funny I just started reading book on a ereader this week. But some thing are better the old fashion way.
I like the looks of this! It makes a nice change from the usual fudge, not that I don’t love, love chocolate. No, I never make NY’s resolutions. Probably for fear of not keeping them. And sadly, the only thing I am watching is my waistline as I head to a restaurant in just a few minutes!
Now that was super quick and easy. Who would have thought it’d be that simple! Love the raspberries giving a ripple effect.
When my mother was ill a few years ago, I took some time off work to be able to spend more time with her. On the days I was at home with no one to talk to, JT came home from work and I talked non-stop making up for lost time. At the end of a very long run-on sentence he would exclaim, “you didn’t have anyone to talk to today, did you?
This fudge looks rather interesting, and I rather like that it’s not too sweet. Because it is frozen, it sounds like a lovely summer treat.
This looks pretty good. I haven’t joined in the whole clean food thing but pretty much everyone else I know is doing it. Nope no new year resolutions here
I could never be vegan! This looks good though.
Yum! This looks sensational, and is very unusual in its ingredients. I don’t make resolutions either, but I want to be careful about my weight.
This fudge looks absolutely fabulous, even with the sinister sounding “desiccated coconut”!
You had me laughing with your ‘Polly Want a Cracker?” + So looking forward to your book!
I didnt make a new years resolution this year. But I have been watching what I have been eating since Nov! Goal is in sight so I guess I should keep going?
How yummy, I don’t think I’ve tasted raspberry fudge before. And your manuscript, how exciting!
I typically don’t make resolutions, but there is something about turning the page on the new year that makes me more aware of what I eat and do…
Happy New Year!
Ooooh, I love this! It’s so pretty.
New Year’s resolutions? Gave up on them years ago cause they were too hard to keep:) Happy New Year gorgeous Lorraine. SO looking forward to the the book – will put it at No 1 on my Mummy’s Day list xox
I always thought eating any type of fudge would immediately send your pancreas into overdrive – here is the exception. And it looks so pretty, Lorraine. I think editing and re-editing is what can turn a person completely mad – it is a wonder you have only reached the parrot stage! xx
Oh you are entertaining! Nope no resolutions for me although I do set a few goals for things to do in 2013.
I think editing it old school style would be much more satisfying than seeing it on the computer. Can’t wait for its release!
Is the banana used for flavour? Or is it there to hold stuff together? Is there a substitute (ok if not, I was just wondering about the ‘science’ behind it). Looks yummy!
Is there a substitute for the banana? By any chance? I wanted to know if you are using it for flavour or as a binding agent?
(Sorry if this posts twice, I thought I lost my last comment)
Hi Steph! Hmm let me think, I think it’s there to both bind and sweeten so a similar sort of creamy fruit might do? One with a low water content though is best.
Raspberries are my absolute top favourite berry, so definitely going to try this.
Very excited the book is now so close to being published. So looking forward to reading it….and all that follow!
I never call my husband unless it’s something very important to say. No, it’s not because he doesn’t want to here my voice, it’s just that I don’t like to call him if I have nothing important to say. My friends can’t understand me and they always be surprise when I mention that.
So, when are you planning to stop editing your book? April will come soon, very soon….
LOVE the combination of raspberry and coconut, TRUE!
Life (in my opinion) is too short to skip a dessert or two!
Never make New Year’s resolutions as if I want to do something, I just DO!
Life is not a dress rehearsal and we don’t get a second chance to put off what’s on a life list to do too!
Holidays were all about food and eating so trying (not always successfully!) to eat a bit healthier. No don’t make New Year’s resolutions as I know I won’t keep them….
I love the idea of you sitting there old-school style editing your manuscript. Almost as much as I love the idea of this fudge. I’m SO making it.
In my world Lorraine, there are NO N.Yr’s resolutions! Either I need to take care of what I eat or just binge! In this case, hitting 45 means more care needs to be taken! But there’s always room for this gorgeous delectable ‘low-sugar’ treat! Looking forward to your book lovely lady! God bless!
You got me at talking like a parrot.
I had trouble on talk like a pirate day.
I’ve never eaten raspberry fudge but it sounds really good.
Good luck with the book!
What a great summer treat! I love that this recipe uses all natural products. Looks so pretty as well.
What a fantastic fudge! It looks so pretty with those raspberry flecks.
No, I don’t make New Years resolutions, nor do I go on a new year diet. I just eat what makes me happy
How exciting for your impending book release. I can’t wait to read it.
congrats on the book!
i love that pretty tea pot, i want to have a tea party!
I think someone needs a Thermomix:) The high speed would have this done in no time. I am totally going to make this in mine this weekend!!! yum.
can’t wait for your book to come out!
Corrie:)
Dear Lorraine,
In the second photo, I could tell you have beautiful teeth from the teeth marks on that piece of fudge.
Mmmm, sounds very tasty and just the job for my Thermomix!
I am making this fudge. Being Raspberry, my son wouldn’t be making faces (as he does with strawberries).
Can’t wait for your book.
Just a few questions: is the fudge supposed to be served frozen, or is that step just to make it set quickly? Can it be stored in the fridge to set (and for how long) – and is it to be stored at room temperature after that?
Putting this on the to-do list for tonight. Looks like just my sort of treat, although I will probably leave out the honey. Should be a breeze in the thermomix.
I think if I called my husband at work, sounding like a parrot, he would hang up on me pronto! LOL
How frustrating about the delay on the cookbook. But what a nice thing to look forward to for this Mother’s Day. Can’t wait to see it.
Thrilled your book has a tentative publishing date: am certain we all have difficulty waiting! I’m older than ‘thou’ and more ‘old-fashioned’ as a result, but I do all my editing from a print-out copy: I can spread stuff out with no scrolling etc et al
! I make heaps of New Year resolutions: so far have broken one, but I knew I would 
! And, beautiful lady, what do you mean by asking do I watch what I eat after Christmas – hmmph, I do that all the time: that does not mean that the methodology is spot on 
!
Hi Cindy! Good question
I keep it in the freezer in little cubes as it keeps for longer that way and when I feel the need for something sweet, I cut break off a piece. You can have it semi frozen (just thaw a little) or thawed, it’s up to you. You can also store it in the fridge (not room temperature because of the fruit) but it won’t last as long, perhaps 2-3 days as there isn’t sugar to preserve it.
I could never go all-vegetarian/vegan, but I would give this sweet treat a go. It looks so pretty!
(And, no: I’ve given up on making resolutions. I never seem to keep them!)
I’m excited to get your book (yes I will definitely be buying it!)
You’ve just inspired me to make this right now. I have a thermomix and I reckon it will work a treat.
Yep, watching what I eating , alright! My daughter gave me a copy of Jamie Oliver’s 15 minutes meals and we have been cooking our way through it. We have enjoyed fabulous fresh salads, quinoa and lots of herbs and spices. Lorraine,this fudge seems to fit right in! Happy New Year to you and looking forward to the release of your book!
Mm this is a must make! I definitely have an addiction to coconut
Your pics are always so pretty! Love them!
Um yay for low sugar fudge! This would have been perfect for xmas with the chrissy colours haha.
This looks yummy!
I made this today as it tasted fab but it has not set in the freezer..what have I done wrong??:)
Hi Ange! Oh that is strange, mine set hard but I left it in for longer as I ended up forgetting about it. I think it’s just meant to firm up a bit after 10 minutes, not get frozen hard
I’m not watching what I eat, but trying to return to my regular eating habits. I’ve made one resolution the year, I never really have before. But this ear I want to have adventures.
This fudge looks delicious. I am not one for NY resolutions either – saves me feeling bad when I abandon them.
I’m glad you liked it! Just a note though, my blog is not called Gormandizewithus – it is called Gormandize with A-dizzle & K-bobo, as it says at the top of the blog.
it looks like ice cream, how great is that? A really fun recipe.
Good luck with editing. When I look at something I finished a long time ago it seems so foreign so I read it with new eyes,do you feel that way too?
very pretty – sounds like what I should be eating but not quite what I am eating. I thought that perhaps you were talking like a parrot as you were pretending that Mr NQN was a pirate!!! And good luck with the editing – sounds tiring but will be exciting for the book to come out
Ah, aren’t final mark ups the most fun? The rising sense of panic of ‘oh gosh, this is it’ doesn’t help either. Am impressed you’re turning to tea and fudge. I turned to gin when doing mine.
Those raw goodies look absolutely stunning! I will have to try this one day as I love both coconut and raspberries!
I’m looking forward to your book! I’m planning on eating better in the new year and I’m sure I’ll start soon. xoxo Mum
Ohhh vegan, low sugar and raw coconut and raspberry fudge YES PLEASE hahaa I’m definitely TRYING so hard to watch what I eat hahaha but it’s not gonna work cuz i’m in HK and cuz I’m on holidays
I always write a few new years resolutions not sure how many I’ll keep till the end of the year hahaha
So prettttttty. And we both know how I feel about raw vegan sweets
(As for your question: yep. I’m watching every block of chocolate and jar of peanut butter that goes into my body with glee
)
I tend to look away when I see words lke “vegan” and “low sugar” but these look delicious. I’m a coconut nut! Bananas, coconut, raspberries. What’s not to like?
How lovely and fresh looking *in a parrot voice*, lol. I should try doing that to hubs, hahaha. Good luck with your editing and woohoo!! Can’t wait to see your book on the shelf.
Wow good luck with the editing
What an amazing recipe indeed! I will certainly give it a try as it looks so delicious and has some healthy options as a bonus
Oooops, forgot to say good luck with your editing, and go old school style! My brain is wired for paper rather than computers
Mother’s Day.. can’t wait, Lorraine! Sorry I’ve been MIA lately on comments but still enjoy reading your posts mostly from my iphone. I came here to pin some of your recipes. This fudge is so cute!
Great sucrose free recipe for me to try. I prefer old school editing
Happy New Year Lorraine! Catching up on all my reading and am really happy to find this recipe I can treat myself to despite all these weeks of overeating.
this is the weirdest fudge recipe i’ve ever seen and you’d better believe i intend to test it out!
Yuuum! I’ve been on a low sugar kick for as long as I remember – this is fab! Glad to hear that despite delays your book is coming along. Even if edits are done by pen and paper. I find that the easiest sometimes!
I love the sound of this, fab recipe. Yum! Gorgeous tea set too!
Heidi xo
Your posts always make me chuckle at some point because your stories are so wonderfully uplifting and fun. You manage to inject some humor into them naturally, and that’s a gift. I could almost hear your parrot voice!
Regarding your book, I was wondering about it and kept forgetting to ask you when the new release date woould be since the last one passed! I’m so excited to order my copy!
Finally.this fidge is perfect for me because I don’t like the overly sweet fudge..just thinking about it makes my teeth hurt! When I do crave a taste..I can never do more than one bite. Even that comes close to putting me into sugar shock! lol I’m definitely bookmarking this recipe! As for healthy eating in the New Year..I always start off that way..then it all goes to pot (and my belly!) In a way, having the flu has started me off on the right foot because for two weeks I could varely eat solid food. However, I’ll happily trade the flu for a few extra pounds!
I want to try this fudge! It’s pretty too, for Valentine’s day; I am trying to eat healthier:) How exciting to be looking over your book! Can’t wait to have a copy for myself:)
Hahaha you are a crazy parrot!
So pretty in pink! I love forward to making these!
Cant wait for the book
perfect way to get stuck in to editing. Love your style Lorraine 
This looks delicious! And even better – dairy free! Wahoo
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