4 cups water
2 cups raw buckwheat groats
1 cup hazelnuts, soaked 2 hours, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped
3/4 cup raisins, soaked 30 minutes and drained
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup pitted soft honey dates
1/4 cup pitted soft prunes
1/4 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional; not raw; try powder for a raw version)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsweetened cacao nibs

Soak the buckwheat in the water for 45 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a fine sieve or colander lined with cheesecloth. Drain well. Rinse well, about 5 to 8 times, until the water is completely clear and the buckwheat no longer feels gelatinous. Set over a bowl and let sit 4 hours. Rinse a second time, ensuring the water runs clear. Let sit another 4 hours, then rinse well once more.

During the buckwheat preparation, soak the hazelnuts and raisins if you haven’t already done so. Put the water, dates, prunes, cacao powder, vanilla extract (if using), salt, and cinnamon in a food processor. Process until smooth. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl. Add the rinsed and drained buckwheat, hazelnuts, raisins, and cacao nibs. Mix well. Sample the mixture; though the flavors will become more prominent when dehydrated, you may want to add additional cinnamon or salt to taste.

Spread the mixture in a single layer on dehydrator trays, using trays designed for small items or fruit leather. Dehydrate at 105 degrees F (40 degrees C) for about 8 hours until the top is dry and firm. Use your hands to break up the pieces and flip them over. Continue to dehydrate for 6 to 8 more hours, until dry and crunchy. Store in a sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator or freezer.