I love chocolate!...Well doesnt everyone?
However the amount of chemicals and general rubbish that goes into the majority of our favourite chocolate bars is seriously high and is therefore awful for our body's.
Un-natural ingredients can cause inflammation and stress to our internal systems and the health of this is just as importnant as your general health.
RAW CACAO is one of the best beauty foods. It is packed with anti-oxidents and contains powerful phytochemicals (chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants) which prevent wrinkle formation.
It helps to protect the skin from UV damage, whilst boosting skin hydration and reducing redness. It also helps to circulate blood flow and as a result of which increase circulation of nutrients and oxygen supply to the body.
Raw Cacao is one of the best natural magnesium containing foods to add to your diet to help calm the Central Nervous System (CNS) and regulate heart rate. This helps in recovery after a hard training session!
Not only is cacao rich in magnesium but it is also contains a mineral which is essential for strong hair and nails and also clear healthy skin. It is a feel good food which raises serotonin and endorphins in the brain which increases and indivudals happiness.
Get your chocolate fix with these RAW SALTED CARAMEL SHORTBREADS (pictured above)
Ingredients
Top Layer (Chocolate topping)
6 Tbsp melted coconut oil
3 Tbsp cacao (where to buy listed at bottom)
3 Tbsp maple syrup
2 drops vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
1 cup Cashew nuts
1 cup pitted dates
4-7 Tbsp hot water
0.5 Tbsp vanilla extract
0.5 Tbsp sea salt
Short Bread Layer
4 Tbsp unsweeted desicated coconut
5 Tbsp oats
1 scoop vanilla whey protein (optional)
1 Tbsp powdered stevia (where to buy listed at bottom)
2 Tbsp coconut oil
Directions
1. Put the dates and the cashews into soak in some warm water and leave to one side.
2. Place all bottom layer ingredients in a blender and wizz up for around 3 minutes until all ingredients are combined.
3. Get a shallow dish and press the bottom layer evenly into the bottom of the dish and place to one side.
4. Drain the cashews and dates and place in the blender with the vanilla and salt. Blend until a smooth consistency is reached. You may want to keep adding some hot water for a less thick caramel.
5. Once the caramel is smooth and delicious. Pour over the first layer in the dish and leave to one side.
6. To make the chocolate. Combine the melted coconut oil, cacao, maple syrup and vanilla in a bowl and stir until combined.
7. Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer and place the dish into the freezer for a minimum of two hours. (I recommend leaving over night if you can wait that long!)
8. Enjoy this little slice of heaven!
Where to buy ingredients:
Powdered Stevia (Truvia can be bought and most supermarkets)
Coconut Oil (Coconut oil is now easily available and most supermarkets)
