My brain is fried like Fakin’ Bacon!
In fact, it’s so fried I accidentally just wrote brian instead of brain. After plowing through a three-page essay, I needed a mayjuh break. Enter afternoon snack:
Baked sweet potato with coconut Banana Butter.
Yes, coconut banana butter. It’s something I’d been meaning to try for ages. And now I’m wishing I’d tried it a whole lot sooner, because this stuff kicks butt…ernut squash.
Vanilla-Fudge Frosting
(or Coconut Banana Butter)
- 1/2 a very-ripe large banana (80g to 100g)
- 4 T melted coconut butter or homemade coconut butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/16th tsp salt
- optional: a few drops pure vanilla extract
- You can add sweetener, but it’s plenty sweet on its own if you use a very-ripe banana.
To make the butter, just blend all ingredients together. (It’s even better if you microwave the banana for like 10-15 seconds before adding other ingredients.) Be sure not to use a cold or frozen banana, unless you completely thaw it first, because it will solidify the coconut butter and make it taste grainy.
Edit: for those of you who asked for the nutritional info:
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 40, Fat grams: 4, Deliciousness: 1 bazillion!
Update: Use this recipe to make Sugar-Free Fudge!
A few lucky spoonfuls jumped into a roasted-sweet-potato blanket. (I bet even Linus would give up his blankie for one of those!) I’ve found a new nut butter obsession. As if I needed another one..
Question of the Day:
Have you tried coconut butter yet?
Also, does anyone have tips to re-charge a fried brain (or a fried brian, as the case may be)?
{ 132 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this… Ima banana LOVER!!!! (Seriously, I eat a LOT of bananas.) My fave way to eat sweet potatoes is homemade “Sweet Potato Chips”. SO good!
I like coconut butter but I love coconut oil! I have found so many uses for that stuff!!!
Hi Katie,
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I absolutely ADORE your blog. But I have a request:
I know you don’t count calories, but if you do happen to know the calories for a certain recipe, could you list it, maybe even in very small print at the bottom?
I have been trying hard to lose weight, because I am considered obese and desperately need it for my health. I’ve just embarked on this healthy eating thing, and your recipes have been so helpful in making me not feel deprived while still eating healthy. I can’t tell you how much I love the fudge babies! But since I’m still new at this, I don’t know all the calorie counts for specific food items, so it’s hard for me to add things up sometimes. It would be SUCH a huge help if you listed the counts when you know them. I completely understand if you don’t want to. It is your blog, after all! But it would be such a help to those of us who are counting calories.
Anyway, I also wanted to stop by and thank you for all your hard work with this blog. You have a great thing going here, and I am so grateful every day that I found you. This is my first comment, but I’ll be back every day. Consider me a new convert to the “Chocolate Covered Diet Philosophy” of yours
I always head to sparkpeople and use their recipe calculator. You can search foods in their database and it’s very easy. I know Katie isn’t keen on calorie counting BUT if you want, feel free to email me (leonakitty@wildmail . com – remove the spaces) and I can calculate for you. I commiserate with you and would love to help.
If you haven’t joined sparkpeople.com, I HIGHLY suggest it! I lost 60 lbs and have kept it off a year by tracking food/exercise. I’m LEONALIONESS on spark if you join and want a buddy. It’s free and awesome!
Thank you both SO MUCH! It’s really nice to have support. Thanks Melissa, your encouragement means so much to me
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Aw Mary, Melissa is right that I’ve always been anti-calorie-counting for myself… but you really made a good point in your comment. I’ll try to post the counts more often, because I do know that you’re not the only calorie-counter who reads my blog. And if I don’t post the #s for a particular recipe, you can always leave a comment and ask me to calculate it for ya
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I haven’t tried coconut butter on a sweet potato, but my favorite way to eat a sweet potato is spiralized, sprayed with EVOO, sprinkled with S&P, cinnamon and nutmeg, and baked into curly “fries.” I’m obsessed with them.
Spiralized?! Woah, I never thought to do that to a sweet potato. It sounds super-fun, and I’ve been neglecting my spiralizer lately. So you spiralize it when it’s still raw, right?
Yes, it’s amazing how the spiralizer cuts the potato–so much easier than using a knife! I actually did a post about it showing a play-by-play (It’s from earlier this month called “Spiralized Sweet Potatoes? YES!”). If you try it, I look forward to hearing how you like it! Maybe there will be a coconut banana butter dipping sauce involved (instead of ketchup)? Who knows!
I’m off to check out your post!
YUM!!! is this the one you mentioned to me earlier about the banana-coconut? Great combo, right?
I just adore baked sweet potatoes! I just bake about 3-5 at a time, and then wrap em up for later snacking. My favorite way to eat it is with a dollop of almond butter and cinnamon. Tastes like a sweet potato pie to me
So glad you finished that paper! Ugh. I dread writing essays….In fact, after I am done writing this comment, I am going to write an essay on the Flowering Judas by Katherine Anne Porter. I have to discuss “the role of women, political aspects, emotions involved, and why it is critically acclaimed.” I don’t know if you ever read it, but it is quite a doosy for a short story. Blech! I don’t think it will be quite three pages…maybe 2 1/2
My fav ways to recharge my brain are drinking lots of water, eating a big meal full of protein, carbs, vitamins, and healthy fats (very balanced), taking a walk, taking a shower, and then taking a nap
Yup, it’s the same one
.
And double ugh, school essays should be outlawed. So there.
“this stuff kicks butt…ernut squash”—> made my morning
Considering I bought coconut butter months ago and have yet to open it…perhaps this is my excuse?
Hahahaha me too! Or maybe the “my brain is fried” part.
Now I’m going to steal the phrase “This kicks butternut squash!”
Yes! Do it!! You won’t be sorry! Well, except for your wallet, but he’ll get over it
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WAAAH I really REALLY wish coconut butter was available in England!! But on the upside, I CAN make your original banana butter!
Quite frankly Katie, you are a genius. I have said it many times before, but I’ll keep saying it!!
Oh, and SLEEP is the best way to recharge a brain! Followed by chocolate of course, but I’m sure you already know that!
And YOU are a sweetheart. I’ve prolly said that before too. But it’s true!!
I love the simple sweet potato + ketchup combo
mm, this looks tasty! Also, I commented on this a looong time ago, but I’ll say it again, there is a huge difference in the quality of your pictures! Really, they look incredible! Keep it up!
Oh Virginia, really you have no idea how much that means to me! I’ve been trying to pay more attention to lighting, and I stopped using flash. So the fact that someone actually noticed really makes me so happy!
GENIUS. that is all. hahaha
“Mayjuh”! Hehe. Dig the Boston accent there!
ps I got my Vitaaaa, excited! any cool recipes that I MUST try with it asap?
Ooooh congrats! hehe
Any of the Faux-Yo flavors: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/01/12/and-so-begins-vitamix-week/
(pb-banana is one of my favorites… but I pretty much love all vita-mix ice creams)
Katie, YOU kick butternut squash! Just sayin
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This looks amazing and it has given me the best lunch idea ever. Thanks darlin
P.S. How did you like The Hangover?
Oh I feel like the worst friend ever
. I haven’t had a chance to watch it yet. I’ll do it this weekend! Putting it on the calendar so I don’t forget lol!
Nooo! Don’t be silly! Watch it when you have time
Okay, this awesome!
1) less calorific way to eat coconut butter, 2) will spread my coconut butter supply farther and save me money! 3) COCONUT + BANANA? Love.
Genius, lady.
Ooh I forgot to write: try melting the banana a little, pre-blending
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Mmmk. You just found a way to involve three of my favorite things on EARTH. Bananas. check. Sweet potatoes. Check. Coconut. Check!!!!!!
I am probably the only one here who has never eaten a sweet potato. And fortunately it’s not on my list of things I am dying to try because sweet potatoes are very hard to find where I live and cost more than I’d pay.
My poor brain is not fried. It’s dead. I’m writing my Master’s degree thesis (about 90 pages so far) while trying to arrange my future after graduation. I’m like a ball of nerves and I definitely need big amounts of fruit and nut butters to keep me going. My best way to recharge is fresh air. A nice long walk out in the cold works wonders.
Eww eww eww 90 pages?!?! So FAR?! As in, you have to write MORE?? Yikes, I shouldn’t complain about my essays!
Oh katie, just when i think youve cracked it with banana butter, you now have banana cocnut butter, holy yum, genius! im a simple kinda gal, i like my sweet taters roasted with butter-that is all
This looks amazing! I love sweet potatoes, love them. I usually eat them just mashed up with a little bit (like a tbsp) of almond or peanut butter.
It is a-mazing!
omg- sounds amazingggg!!
Giiiirl you need to create a cookbook! Seriously now… everyone would buy it! And I have yet to try coconut butter yet. It’s on the list though!
My favorite way to eat a sweet potato is roasted with cinnamon. Mmmmm.
DELICIOUS!!!!
Bake — Baking always helps me.
oh nom. you know, i don’t really care for bnut squash. give me kabocha or sweet potato every and any day! i still like almond butter better than coconut butter (heresy! ;p)
Loove sweet potatoes sprinkled with cinnamon!!!!!
Will have to try this out very, very soon, though!
I’ve never tried coconut butter because I am definitely not a coconut fan, but even I think this looks great! I wouldn’t mind slipping into a sweet potato blanket. Too far?
I think they should sell sweet potato snuggies
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Considering I am a lazy college student, it’s no surprise that I like my sweet potatoes nuked in the microwave until soft. Then I either eat them plain (so good!) or sprinkle some salt on them to bring out all the flavors. Totally beats a normal baked potato.
that sounds sooo good! i have to take a break from homework now to make some. running and cooking are my favorite ways to recharge my brain. i usually can’t do my homework until i’ve gotten a run in!
i have tried coconut butter and i love it! and my favorite way to make sweet potatoes is roasting them in the oven with a little olive oil and some spices.
ahahah deliciousness: 1 bazillion! LOVE THIS
Can you come over and spoon feed me this? I’ll make you a sweet potato if you do.
In all seriousness, this looks amazing. I am not a calorie counter, but do love my nut butters and it gets out of control sometimes – perfect solution!
*Runs over to see Chelsey*
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Will work for sweet potato
I love coconut butter, even though I don’t like coconut!
I used to be that way with ketchup/tomatoes. (But now I love them both)
My favorite way to eat a sweet potato is to chop it up and make sweet potato fries
Roll the slices in a little EVOO, sea salt, and pepper and pop them in the oven! They are delish! With a regular sweet potato, I like it with butter…no cinnamon though.
All ways.
When I need to recharge, I usually swim or do some other hard workout. I especially like workouts that allow me to punch water or air or bags or other people. Really relieves the stress!
Other people lol
That looks *exactly* like my snack, girl! People laugh at me for preferring a sweet potato to ice cream for a snack, hehe. Favorite way to eat a sweet potato is of course, smothered with nut or coconut butter
I don’t see why people wreck them and add a bunch of brown sugar and marshmallows; they’re SOOO sweet on their own. Roast for an hour and you’ve got ooey- gooey deliciousness!
With 1 bazillion deliciousness, it just CAN’T be wrong!! You crack me up
Oh. Favorite way to eat sweet potato!
Sweet potato, black bean, spinach and Daiya quesadillas!
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1420955
mmmm….i love me a sweet tater with mashed up avocado and chopped sundried tomatoes. You are utterly fabulous girlie! x x
Aww right back atcha, sweet Emma
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Girl I have so many recipes that call for bananas, mushed, mashed, sliced and diced, I am the queen of using bananas…so this is just another way I can put my nana’s to use.
One of the ways I like to combine banana + coconut butter/oil now is to make GF vegan muffins. I stir all ingredients together and in like 3 mins, my muffin mix is made. Baking with coconut oil and bananas makes your house smell soooo good!
that sounds so oh my gosh good! i am going to check out your blog right now!
I’ve never tried coconut butter but this looks awesome, I love sweet potato’s! Before I stopped eating dairy I used to love them with cinnamon butter.
mmmm… how yummy. Especially in a yam or sweet potato! I love putting nut butter on sweet potatoes– my favorite is almond butter
I read cooks books and blogs when my brain is fried. I may also take a mindless walk with music or an audio book, if I have the energy. My brain is being fried to a crisp with the constant rehearsals for the play I’m in, so I am just trying to take it easy on my days off!
VEGirl
AAah this sounds so good. I really love coconut, and I wish restaurants used it more often.
Yummy! My favorite way to eat a sweet potato is topped with hummus. I actually prefer yams because I like the texture and taste better. The banana butter with coconut reminds me of a tropical treat of some sort.
hummus is my favorite topping for them too. salty and sweet
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that sweet potato looks amazing!
Also, the raw enchiladas in your last post had me drooling!
Oh wow, that looks delish! That sweet potato must be just heavenly, especially considering that a dab of butter and pinch of salt and I still consider one good enough for dessert:)
As for recharging a fried brain, well… I have a brain condition that causes me to feel that way too much of the time. I have found in struggling to deal with my “new” brain that diet is incredibly important now, much more so than before. I avoid junk food even more zealously than I used to. Another biggie is avoiding sugar. Sugar’s great for a short-term boost but wreaks havoc on me in the long term so it’s just best I avoid it if I’m craving energy. Finally, my secret weapon, Rhodiola rosea. I don’t take it all the time but I’ve found that it does do wonders for me in a pinch!
I love mashed sweet potatoes. I also love coconut butter but haven’t tried it on a sweet potato. I might have to do that soon!
i love mashed sweet potatoes too… i bet that’d be really good with coconut butter mixed in before mashing. hmmm…
oh my gosh oh my gosh yummyy!!!
I love your website!
P.S. You’re a stylish blogger! Check it out… http://healthymealsforless.blogspot.com/2011/01/stylish-blogger.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HealthyMealsForLess+%28Healthy+Meals+for+Less%29
haha i love “deliciousness: 1 bazillion” !!
i keep ooh-inh and ahh-ing at your creations and then being too lazy to make them! time to step up!
I tried coconut banana butter and was going to comment but thought it’d be teaching my grandmother to suck eggs because you’re the pro on both!
I’ve never tried the sweet potato/nut butter combination but that picture’s persuaded me to
I LOVE sweet potatoes!! Topped with PB is amazing. I like coconut butter but havent thought of putting it on sweet potatoes, great idea! I need to make this soon
Ilove sweet potato fries and unfortunately i can’t find coconut butter but i’m dying to try it because i love coconut. <3
Favourite way to eat sweet potato = roasted.
i’ve been away in the hospital for quite awhile, but i’m back now & so excited to catch up on things here…. such as eating pizzerts for lunch. the base involved diced strawberries, water, vanilla, & cinnamon.. and the finished product was drizzled with an unfortunately non-vegan sauce (the amazingness of frozen strawberries, cottage cheese, sweetener, vanilla, and a splash of milk in the magic bullet until silky smooth) and fresh strawberries. i told you about the first time i made it, but i felt like telling you again, because it made me so happy.
but really– i have missed keeping up with your blog & hope things are going well for you. have a lovely evening my dear. <3
Aww Emily, I’m so glad you’re out of the hospital. I hope everything’s ok!! And thanks for the super-sweet comment (from a super-sweet girl hehe).
My favorite way is to eat them in fry form..still.
And as for the second question, no..but I sure as heck plan to!
Hi Katie!
This looks like my kinda snack! Just super.
Great discussions going on here, I am all updated.
Rest that Brain of yours.
You are a culinary genius!!!!
hey Katie!
I found this to be very interesting, maybe you will too–
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vegans
a list of famous people from around the world; all vegan !
<3
Woah cool! Thanks for sharing. I love those types of lists. It’s so cool to see we’re in good company
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“Kicks butt…ernut squash” Oh my gosh, too funny! Haha!
Girl, you have seriously got me drooling over here! I LOVE sweet potatoes and then you go and cover them in this creamy deliciousness? What?!
My favorite way to eat sweet potatoes is HEAB’s way of roasting them in cocoa powder! Seriously life changing!
Best thing for a fried brain? Veggin’…like total blank-eyed-staring at the good ole boob tube!
Ohh, or coloring! Hehe! I love me a good coloring book and some fresh Crayolas!
Ok, I read HEAB’s blog… why have I missed this?! Off to blog stalk… lol.
Love,
aother crayola-lover!
Baked with a little Earth Balance, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of salt. SO simple and good!
I love how creative you are! One of my favorite ways to eat sweet potatoes is baked and then topped with coconut oil and carob (or chocolate) chips. Speaking of that, I think I now know what I’m going to have for dinner
I finally tired almond butter and coconut butter on my sweet potato earlier this week. I LOVE gauc with my sweet potato so the thought of something sweet on my potato never sounded appealing. Ohhhhh am I glad I finally tried it. Just another excuse to smother something in almond/coconut butter. Now, I must try coconut banana butter!
Coconut butter is absolutely heavenly!!
favorite way to eat a sweet potato: right out of hand with nothing on it. Second way: with black beans and olive oil.
I’m obviously a HUGE fan of banana and coconut, so I MUST try this!
“My brain is fried like fakin’-bacon” I know exactly how you feel honey!
I ususally eat my sweet pot. with cinnamon and stevia. Now I have something new to try! Thanks so much Katie!
Must. Obtain. Coconut butter… mostly so I can actually make all your delish recipes
Favorite way to eat a sweet p: baked whole and topped with hummus/almond butter or roasted in fry shapes. Nom.
ohh how i feel your pain. i just completed a 30 page research paper. talk about a fried brain!!
Yikes! I should stop complaining about my measly 3-page papers, huh?
This is way too simple. Its really just a mashed up banana. But it sounds delicious, I will give it a try
Because of this post, I had a sweet potato tonight saturated in coconut butter! I will try the banana next time. Thanks for a wonderful dinner!!!
xo
Mmmm next time, tell me so I can join you
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Favorite way to eat a sweet potato? Either just plain baked, in sushi, or as sweet potato fries!
Mmmmm I love the idea of coconut banana butter- it sounds sooo tropical!
My favorite way to eat a sweet potato is baked and topped with spicy peanut sauce. I could eat that every day!
Hi!!!! I’m one of your site’s BIGGEST fans. i visit it everyday! You are a really good writer and creative cook!
Anyway, how did you bake your potato? I tried before but it turned out too dry.
Thanks
Wow, oh my gosh, thank you so much for SUCH a sweet comment!
For the sweet potato, I roast it first, but then I microwave it for 2-3 minutes afterwards, to get it soft. ‘Cause yeah, I’ve had that same issue with them getting dry!
Heeeello Katie! How long dooya reckon this coconut banana fudgy heaven (well done, btw) will keep, considering the banana-ness? x
Heya Sarah!
Good news: If you freeze it, it’ll stay good for months! Just be sure to thaw before eating.
I’m coming out of lurking mode to say how delicious this is. I added a couple teaspoons of raw cacao powder, and I’ve been eating it on my Ezekiel Muffin all week. Yum! I’ve really loved reading your posts!
Hey Luciana! So nice to “meet” you hehe
. I’m also so excited you like the coconut banana butter! I just discovered the Ezekiel english muffins, but I never thought to try them with the cbb. What a yummy idea!
i’m happy to inform you that i was able to find some unsweetened coconut on Amazon (like you said) for a decent price!
help!
i can’t get enough of your coconut butter!
but, i’ve tried making this banana butter twice now and both times it’s turned out clumpy!
Hey Katie!
Do you completely melt the coconut butter first? That’s what I mean–in the recipe–when I say “soft” coconut butter. Do you melt it before you add the other ingredients?
I am SOOO excited to try this you have no idea!! YOUR AMAZING Katie!!!!!!!!
Hey there
Question.. Do you know how long will this keep in the fridge? It sounds good, but being that it has a banana, I don’t want it to go bad before I can finish it!
I think it will be ok a couple of days… but I like to keep mine in the freezer, where it hardens into fudge form! Then you can always thaw it or melt it. In the freezer, it keeps for at least a few weeks
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I’m making coconut banana butter right now!
How did you make your sweet potato in this picture? In an oven for how long? Can you make in the microwave?
Hmmm… I always cook them differently lol. Usually I’ll microwave for like 5 minutes, then poke a few holes and roast on tin foil at like 425 until they smell delicious and look super-soft
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Oh, but you definitely can just use the microwave. Just poke a few holes, wrap in a few paper towels, and cook until soft… maybe 15 minutes?
Katie-OMG yum yum MANIA!! I’m making some of this tomorrow morning to top some oats and who knows, probably just to eat the whole batch straight up! I love your regular banana butter and coconut version…ahh Pure bliss girlie!!
Hehe I usually eat some straight outta the blender
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katie, i got to this by clicking on the vanilla fudge frosting link..but this is not VANILLA FUDGE FROSTING. WHERE IS iiiiiiit?
Did you read the actual recipe? It’s vanilla-fudge frosting
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Special question! I don’t have the tools for coconut butter at the moment [vitamix, etc]. Could I use light butter? Or would that be disgusting?
OMG! This blog is pure genius, I love it so much!
Can’t wait to make this lovely recipe!
Love so many of your recipes, but CANNOT do bananas! Is there anything you can think of that will work as a substitute?
The one-serving cupcakes are wonderful for those of us who are ONE & trying not to become as big as two, or three……….lol
I’ve only tried banana.
But this chocolate version is banana-free: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/03/07/you-gotta-try-this/
Hey! I am dying to try them asap, the thing is though…. Is there a banana alternative?
Thank you!
you could try mango or pear… but I haven’t done so.
I just found your blog- and I LOVE it! I just have one request. I can’t eat bananas, so do you have any other ideas that would work as substitutes for your recipes? I haven’t yet though of anything that is like a banana!…. Thanks for all the recipes though- they really are amazing!
Sorry, I just realized the last couple comments had the same question!
Have you tried this “Vanilla-Fudge Frosting” as a cake frosting? Or do you have any frosting-alternative recipes? LOVE your blog!! Thanks!!
Yes, it definitely works as a cake frosting! Or, look on my “snackity snacks” recipe tab and scroll down to the frostings category for other ideas
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Hey Katie. I ws wondering if you whip this or do anything differently when using it as a frosting. Wherever I saw you use it as a frosting it looked much whiter and fluffier! Lots of lot from a HUGE fan!!!
If you freeze it, it becomes fudge! But when it’s room temperature (or just blended) it’s creamy/smooth like frosting
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Hi Katie!! I just found your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin that I am absolutely making tomorrow, and I would love to put this frosting on top, but I have no Coconut butter – just oil! Would that still work????
I’ve not tried it, and I’ve heard mixed reviews from people who have… some like it, some don’t!
Found you on pinterest and thank goodness I did. I LOVE this blog!!
Recharge a fried brain by making a vegan almond joy.
Put about 1/2 tsp of cacoa nibs on a teaspoon. Dribble a little agave on it and top it with an almond and a little bit of coconut shreds. Voila! An instant almond joy and cacoa is great for the brain and a quick energy booster .Most times you will only need one mouthful.
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