Tag: chocolate

Raw Chocolate Bars

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By definition, raw vegan diets consist of unprocessed plant foods that haven’t been heated over 40 degrees C. Using all natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients, these chocolate bars are as pure as they get, and unlike any waxy confectionary you’ve ever had.

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Raw Vegan Chocolate Bars from Scratch

1 cup cocoa butter pieces
Pinch fine Himalayan salt
7 tablespoons raw cacao powder
3 tablespoons mesquite powder
2 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar
Dried fruit and nuts, optional

Melt the cocoa butter shavings and salt in a double boiler over low heat. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Whisk in the cacao and mesquite powders. Stir in the agave nectar. Transfer the mixture to a blender, and blend on high for about 90 seconds until well emulsified.

If using dried fruit or nuts, put them into a mold and then top with chocolate mixture, otherwise, pour chocolate mixture into molds. If you don’t have molds, you can easily use loaf pans (for thick chocolate bars use a 9×5, for thin chocolate bars, use two 8×4). Freeze immediately.

Let set completely before unmolding and cutting into pieces, about 30 minutes. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Creamy Almond Hot Chocolate

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That’s right. Chocolate + maple syrup + roasted almond butter, all warmed together into a rich, warming drink that might just warrant some Kahlua for kicks.

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Creamy Almond Hot Chocolate

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 1/2 cups creamy unsweetened nondairy milk
2 tablespoons roasted almond butter
3 oz. non-dairy semi-sweet chocolate chips

Put the water, cocoa powder, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to medium heat, whisking frequently, until no lumps remain. Whisk in the nondairy milk. Heat until the mixture is steaming. Remove from heat and add the almond butter and nondairy chocolate chips.

Let it stand about 1 minute. Insert an immersion blender, and blend until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can put it directly into a blender once it has cooled a little longer.

Chocolate Sweet Potato Pudding

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A super easy snack idea that can use up leftover sweet potatoes, this pudding is creamy, chocolaty, and good for you, too. Even better, it comes together in about 30 seconds, for instant snack satisfaction.

chocolate sweet potato pudding

Chocolate Sweet Potato Pudding

2 3/4 cup (660mL) mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), cold (see Note)
5 tablespoons (75mL) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (60mL) pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons (10mL) vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (3mL) ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (2mL) salt
3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60mL) unsweetened nondairy milk

Put the mashed sweet potatoes, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor. Process until smooth, adding the nondairy milk until a desired consistency is achieved. Though it can be served right away, it tastes even better refrigerated overnight.

Note: Baking the sweet potatoes in the oven rather than cooking them in the microwave adds extra sweetness and flavor. To bake, scrub the potatoes then wrap in aluminum foil. Poke with a sharp knife about 5 times. Bake at 425F for about 45 minutes, until tender. Refrigerate until cold, then remove the skin.