One of the things I enjoy the most is creating new healthy treats in my kitchen. These past 12 years I have also greatly enjoyed teaching and inspiring others to make their own healthy creations.
Since my son’s diagnosis of Celiac Disease a few years ago, I dove deeper into the world of all things gluten and grain-free.
I soon realized that most of the available snacks on the market were overpriced and loaded with unhealthy sugars, modified starches, and GMO ingredients.
Most people know that unless a product is labeled as certified organic it can contain GMO ingredients.
So to play it safe we make all of our snacks at home which brings me to this delicious homemade recipe for Organic Raw Chocolate Bars.
A question I often hear is:
What does raw mean and why does it matter?
Okay so here goes the simple answer:
A truly raw dessert as in the case of the recipe I am about to share with you is made without cooking or heating any of the ingredients. It means that everything in the list of ingredients is in its natural state.
For example, when you go to the store you can purchase raw honey or you can purchase honey that has been heated for pasteurization. The process of heating the honey in its natural state at high temperatures results in killing most, if not all, of the enzymes, natural antibiotics, and vitamins.
Raw dishes, on the other hand, contain all of the life building nutrients, enzymes, amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins that our cells need to stay healthy and cleanse.
*Note that some Raw foodies make raw food dishes by slightly warming them to a temperature of 118 degrees or lower. Doing this retains most of the nutritional value of the food.
Now I must clarify that I am not a raw foodist as I believe in a well-balanced diet and have learned that eating raw veggies and fruits for a prolonged period of time can cause unnecessary stress on our digestive system and keep us in a constant detoxification mode which is not healthy unless treating a specific disease or health issue. So for all things, we must bring balance!
Now, on to our recipe.
Let me just say that these chocolate bars are unlike anything you have ever tasted before. They are smooth, creamy, crunchy and oh so healthy for you. This recipe is a modification of several signature recipes I have created over the years for making raw bars.
A simpler version of my Artisanal Chocolate Crunch Bars
Here is a list of what you will need:
Unbleached All Natural Parchment Baking Sheets
Glass Bowl
8×10 tray or large square dish
Tablespoons for measuring
3 tablespoons of organic raw cacao powder
3 tablespoons of organic raw coconut oil (if oil is in its liquid form use 5 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon of organic raw honey (use maple syrup or coconut nectar for a Vegan recipe)
1 teaspoon of organic raw vanilla extract (use one without alcohol for it to be GAPS legal)
1 tablespoon of organic un-toasted shredded or powdered coconut
2 tablespoons of (chopped) organic raw sprouted nuts (we use a combination of brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, and cashews)
OPTIONAL
-1 tablespoon of organic quinoa puffs (This mimics the taste of rice crispy treats and makes the bars super crunchy but the puffs are not raw they are baked, They also are considered a pseudo grain so they are not GAPS & Paleo friendly)
-use cookie cutters and make chocolate bars using your favorite shapes. Kids love this!
Place all of your ingredients in a glass bowl and mix well.
Place a piece of parchment paper on your tray or dish. Begin to scoop out portions onto your parchment paper. Cover with another piece of parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes.
Remove from freezer and enjoy with raw ice-cream or by itself!
WARNING! – This treat melts in your hands and in your mouth so beware!
Before freezing
After freezing for 20 minutes
Hope you enjoy it!
This makes a great party treat as it can be made and ready in less than 35 minutes. Your guests are sure to love it and ask for seconds.
Because your health matters
CFG
Actually I need your advice regarding frequent stomach pain complain of my son who is 11 years of age. Doctors have done ultra sound and it revealed bowel and mesentery is largely obscured by gases; however, a few mesenteric lymph nodes noted, largest of them measuriing upto 31x10mm. rest of the lymph nodes are smaller in size and appears to be insignificant in size No interbowel free fluid or ascites is noted. this was 6 months ago. doctors advised not to worry, prescribed some pain killers as and when he has pain. Whilst it is under control, the pain has not gone completely. we are thinking of showing to the Doctors again for a complete check up and make sure nothing else is causing this problem. We would greatly appreciate your advice.
Hi,
We sent you a private email.
Blessings
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