Raw Chocolate Almond Bar

10 years ago, most people had never heard of a raw food diet; it was new to me when I moved to California two and half years ago. It is a fairly popular diet/lifestyle in Los Angeles and Co-opportunity food co-op carries quite a few prepared raw foods so I have begun to explore this approach to eating.

As a cashier at the co-op I was stunned and shocked to realize that much of the "raw" products that we sold were chocolate and prepared desserts. It's truly amazing what raw foodists have created using only raw ingredients (meaning nothing is heated above 114 degrees.) One of the most amazing chocolate tortes that I have ever eaten was raw.  So when I came across this recipe I decided it was time to make my own.

While I am uncertain as to the actual benefits of a raw diet, this recipe was inspiring for its simplicity, the quickness in preparation and most importantly, its taste. I was impressed. If you know of anyone looking for easy raw desserts, this recipe seems to have endless variations - other nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut - you name it!

The Perfect Raw Chocolate Bar (Vegan) from The Sunny Raw Kitchen

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup cacao powder
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped almonds (or other chopped nuts)

Blend liquid ingredients until super smooth. You can add more sweetener or more chocolate to suit your tastes, just be sure to blend in cacao powder thoroughly if you add more. Transfer mixture to separate bowl and stir in chopped almonds. (Feel free to add other goodies, shredded coconut, fresh berries or dried fruits, etc) Spread on a plastic wrap lined plate or dish and place in freezer to cool for at least 30 minutes. Score into bars, not cutting all the way through and continue to freeze. Serve directly from freezer as they melt quickly.

Hugs!

Recipes currently inspiring me:

Chocolate Baguette at An Edible Mosiac
Turnip Gratin at The Garden of Eating
Pasta alla Noci - Savory Walnut Sauce at Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino