Ingredients:
1/2 c. coconut oil (I used Garden of Life brand, which comes in a glass jar)
3 T. almond butter
1 T. raw honey or maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/4 c. plus 2 T. raw cacao powder
1 package (83 g.) Raw Meal Cocoa Dream flavour (Garden of Life)
1/2 c. medium flake coconut
1/2 c. raw almonds
1/4 c. pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
- If you think of it ahead of time, leave the jar of coconut oil out on your counter in a warm spot the day before you make this recipe. That way, it will be easy to measure out and mix with the other ingredients – otherwise, you will have to warm it gently. You can do this quickly over low heat in a metal cup on the stove or by simply placing the jar (with the lid tightly screwed shut) in a larger bowl of warm water and being a bit more patient.
- Stir in the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, sea salt and vanilla. Then, stir in the cacao powder and Raw Meal Cocoa Dream (this will serve as sweetener for the recipe as well as adding lots of nutrition that will minimize blood sugar spikes).
- Stir in the flaked coconut, pumpkin seeds and raw almonds. Adding flaked coconut helps disguise the slightly gritty texture from the protein powder.
- Spread mixture evenly onto a silicone mat on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate until the mixture hardens. Break into pieces of bark and store in a glass container in the fridge.
- *Optional: For added texture and sweetness, add some chewy, dried fruit such as goji berries or raisins – I would start with 1/4 cup. If you would prefer to keep this snack fairly low with regard to blood sugar/glycemic load, stick to the nuts alone.
- Enjoy a small piece, guilt-free, for desert or a snack whenever that irresistible craving for chocolate hits!
*NOTE: If you are someone who really does not like the slightly bitter aftertaste of stevia, this recipe can also be made without the protein powder – just use 2 T. of either raw honey or maple syrup instead. The added sweetener (honey or maple syrup) is also optional for those who are carb-conscious since the Raw Meal alone adds a mild sweetness.