This recipe tastes different every time I make it. I usually make it when I want to use up little bits of seeds, nuts, dried fruit or coconut. You can’t really go wrong and that is also why it is a great recipe for the kids to help out with. It is gluten free, dairy free and vegan. – Anita xx
Ingredients
¾ cup melted coconut oil
¾ cup raw cacao powder
45ml – 60ml pure maple syrup
Splash of vanilla extract
1 ½ cups mixed nuts (macadamia, pecan, hazelnut, pistachios, anything)
¾ cup mixed seeds (sunflower seeds, pepitas, poppy), dried fruit, coconut flakes/desiccated coconut
Notes
Toasting the nuts deepens the flavour. It is worth the effort. I like to toast the coconut as well, by stirring it for a few minutes on a hot pan.
I find 45ml of maple syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness especially if you have raisins or dried cranberries in the mix. If your kids have a very sweet
tooth it might be best to add a bit more maple syrup the first time you make the recipe just to get them used to the dark chocolate taste.
A small piece of this chocolate is very satisfying!
Method
1. Toasting nuts is optional. Just mix it with a little oil and salt and toast in the oven at 180°C until you start to smell them. Resist the temptation to leave it a few minutes more. They are usually ready within 8 – 12 minutes. Let it cool down.
2. Line a loaf tin with baking paper.
3. Measure ¾ cup coconut oil and let it stand in hot water to melt.
4. You can ask your child to stomp, stomp, stomp the nuts with a pestle and mortar until you get big chunks. Having a few spare stale nuts ready to sacrifice might be a good idea if they are not done stomping.
5. Ask the kids to make up the combination they feel like. Have a measuring jar ready and let them fill it up to the 1 ½ cup mark for the nuts. Then tip it in a mixing bowl.
6. Repeat for the fruit and seed mix to the ¾ cup mark.
7. Whilst they mix, mix, mix, the nuts measure the cacao and combine with the melted coconut oil in a separate mixing bowl.
8. They can stir the cacao mixture with a whisk whilst you add the vanilla and maple syrup to it.
9. Pour half the chocolate in the lined loaf tin.
10. They can add all the mixed nuts and seeds.
11. Cover the nuts with the remaining chocolate.
12. Hand the chocolate bowl over and get wipes ready.
13. Refrigerate until set before you slice it. It might take 3 – 4 hours, but by letting the kids lick the bowl usually makes up for the long waiting period.
14. Slice and keep refrigerated.
