Something Chocolately for the Winter Doldrums | Farm Foodie Fitness
by: Kelly Roberts
Old man winter has definitely shown up this week with below freezing temps and rain, sleet, and now snow. My area goes into full alert when snow comes, we’re talking the smallest amount even just a dusting sends people into frantic mode! Buying up bread, milk, and eggs, driving 15 miles an hour, tackling the red box machines, and stocking up on all the ever so “good for you” snacks for the kiddos! My little ones were home with me, so I don’t get much done so I usually start cooking! My youngest finally got to experience his first snow ever! Stumbling around in his snow gear, I swear he looked just like “Randy” from A Christmas Story! I realized we didn’t have snow boots because we rarely get snow here, so I went old school and put plastic bags on his feet like my mom and grandmothers would do. After much preparing and sending him out into the bone-chilling wind, he wasn’t too happy! 🙁
So I decided to keep him in and make something chocolatey without all the guilt and processed sugar. Of course! So here’s a spin-off my sweet friend and fellow Certified Pilates instructor, Raw Chef, entrepreneur, and momma, Leah Stewart’s Chocolate Bark. I’ve just changed up the recipe a bit to make it my own. You can do the same by adding your favorite things, like pumpkins seeds, dried fruit, ginger, spices, and other nuts! Hope you love it! Enjoy the snow and comfort foods without all the guilt!
Chocolate Bark
1 cup of coconut oil
3 Tbs agave nectar
¾ C cacao powder
¼ C almond butter
1 C almonds-coarsely chopped in a food processor by pulsing
1 C raisins
1/3 C sliced almonds
1 C Goji berries
Dried Cherries
Pinch of cayenne
Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
Blend coconut oil, cacao powder, agave nectar, almond butter, salt, and cayenne until smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl, add chopped almonds, Goji berries, raisins, cherries, and mix well. Spread the mixture on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper ½- 1 inch thick. Top with sliced almonds. Put in freezer until solid. Break off and enjoy!!
Find more recipes like this one on Kelly’s blog or sign up for one of her cooking or food demos on www.balancedlivinghealthandwellness.com.