From Our Kitchen
In
America, it is traditional to give your loved
ones something sweet to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Or flowers. But
seriously,
if we have to choose between sweets and flowers...c’mon. “But the
calories!” we
hear some of you shouting. “The unhealthy sugars!” “The trans fats!”
Not
in our kitchen! Here’s a delicious, simple,
and healthy recipe you can make, put in a glass container with a pretty
bow,
and Voila! Instant Valentine’s Day gift.
Mindy’s
Carob Nut Squares
Ingredients
3/4
cup organic carob
powder
1 cup
of organic olive oil or
melted coconut oil
1 cup
of fresh whole raw
nuts, toasted (We think hazelnuts taste best, but we have also tried
almonds
and Brazil nuts, and a combination of several.)
1
pinch of pure monk fruit
powder (optional)
Method
1.
Toast
the nuts in a stainless-steel frying pan on medium-high heat for about
5
minutes, tossing often so they don’t burn. When done, place aside.
2.
Mix
the carob powder and oil (and monk fruit powder if using) until well
blended.
3.
Add
the toasted nuts and mix.
4.
Pour
the mixture into a square baking pan, coated with baking paper.
5.
Freeze
for about 30 minutes.
6.
Break
into squares (or I should say pieces – not actual precise squares – for
goodness sake don’t torture yourself!) and store in the freezer in a
closed
glass container, coated with baking paper.
7.
Enjoy
with your loved ones!
Keep
in mind that these
tend to be deliciously messy when eating, so you might want to keep a
stack of
napkins handy and stay away from your couch or carpet!