Baking plays a big part in my life. It is something I spent a lot of time doing with my mom and grandma for many occasions, or just because! This is something I want to continue to do as Emilia grows up. Plus who doesn't like a little sugar after dinner!
Reality is this, we are trying to cut out some sugar and choose healthier options because we definitely consume more sugar than we actually need. So this of course contradicts my love for baking! Will I quit...heck no! Just means I need to get creative.
I love easy recipes, that could be adapted to a variety of things like having a 16 month old who wants to be fully involved - no complaints here!
Ingredients
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans
• 2.5 cups of dates; pitted for less steps! (If dry soak for 10 min in warm water)
• 3/4 of cacao powder
• 2 tbsp of cacao nibs (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 tsp of sea salt
• Organika Cacao Maca Powder or plain Maca Powder
• 1/4 cup of your desired milk
• 1 cup of chocolate (I really enjoy dark chocolate, and you can buy dairy free chips for vegan option!)
• 2 tbsp of coconut oil (I use the liquid one)
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (to thicken your chocolate ganache but I didn't use it as I added the maca powder instead)
Steps
In a food processor (or pre-bought), chop up the walnuts and almonds. You can add in the cacao powder here or mix in a bowl the powder and nuts. After soaking the dates (if needed) otherwise place dates in food processor and chop. Slowly add the dates to the powder and but mixture; do this in food processor or in the bowl by hand (you can hand mix and apply some pressure to the ingredients mix). Add this mix to an 8x8 pan (insert parchment paper), and press in the mixture. Apply pressure so that it creates a solid piece. Sprinkle some.chopped walnuts and cacao nibs. Put in the fridge for 25-30 mins. Remove and apply ganache.
Chocolate Ganache: warm up 1/4 of your desired milk. Add in the cup of chocolate and cover to allow for heat to melt the chocolate; about 2 min. Mix with a whisk. Add in 2tbsp of coconut oil, the desired amount (1 scoop I used) of the Organika Cacao Maca Powder. Mix and put in the fridge for 8-10 mins. Remove and whisk again to maintain thickness. Add some of the powdered sugar (or replace with some Maca Powder insteas this is what I did) if desired and needed to thicken up. Spread generously over the base layer. Add some crushed walnuts and Cacao nibs or add your own Halloween flair and return to the fridge for another 20 mins.
Remove and cut into pieces; each 8x8 should make 12 servings!!
Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of Organika Mylk Latte Powder!!
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XOXO
