Strawberry & Macadamia Chocolate

A sugar free treat that is booming with antioxidants from the cacao, cinnamon and dehydrated strawberries, that makes this actually insanely good for you. Cacao also contains high levels of theobromine, which enhances our mood and increases alertness, which may explain why we feel the need to get that little hit now and then. You may think that dried strawberries lose most of their nutrients, though freeze dried strawberries still contain most of their potent nutrients, like the antioxidants, that means you’re providing your body with a low sugar fruit still rich in many nutrients.

Whilst this may seem like a fidgety process, it is in fact so quick and easy to throw together, and sets quickly in your freezer, making it the perfect dessert for when you have last minute guests coming over that you want to leave feeling well nourished.

Cinnamon Macadamia nuts

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup macadamia nuts

1 teaspoon ceylon cinnamon

1 teaspoon sweetener, such as Lakanto Monkfruit

METHOD

1. Place the macadamia nuts in a low heated pan with no oil.

2. Stirring now and then, allow them to become golden and toasted.

3. Remove from the heat, and then coat in the sweetener and cinnamon while the macadamia nuts are still warm, stirring them around so they are well coated.

4. Chop the macadamia nuts into smaller pieces, or to your desired size.

5. Set aside.

Chocolate Bark

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cacao powder

1 cup melted coconut oil or ghee (if you have some cacao butter, then use ¼ cup of this as apart of your chosen fat)

2 teaspoons vanilla powder or essence

2-3 tablespoons your choice of sweetener, such as Lakanto Monkfruit or you may use liquid stevia drops to taste

 ½ cup freeze dried strawberries

Pinch of salt

Method          

1. Combine the coconut oil, cacao powder, salt and sweetener in a bowl, and mix well to combine. If your sweetener is granulated, then place in a blender and blend until well combined.

2. Line a tray with baking paper, and pour the chocolate in the tray (mine was 25cm x 25cm, though you can use what suits you and how thick you would like the chocolate).

3. Place in the fridge for 5 minutes, or until just slightly cooled so the toppings don’t sink through to the bottom.

4. Remove from the fridge, and scatter the strawberries and macadamia nuts over the top, just like the photo.

5. Place in the freezer to set, which may only take 15-20 minutes, and then slice, and enjoy!