Almond Citrus Cake

This cake is Gluten-Free, Milk-Free, light, flavorful, satisfying.  Tell me what you think!

FLOURless CITRUS ALMOND CAKE

• 4 Omega-3 Eggs, at room temperature (can substitute 2 Tbs. freshly ground flax seeds mixed with 4 Tbs. water for two of the eggs)

• 3 Tbs. organic Lemon Zest

• 1 Tbs. organic Lime Zest

• 1/2 tsp. pure Almond extract

• 1 tsp. Orange Blossom Water, available at Whole Foods and at Middle Eastern markets

• 1/4 c. Pure Maple Syrup

• 1 1/2 c. fine Almond Flour/Meal

• 1 tsp. Aluminum-free Baking Powder (check expiration date!)

• 1 tsp. Baking Soda

• 1 tsp. Cider Vinegar (can use White Vinegar)

• Pinch of Sea Salt

• Juice of 1 organic orange and 1 organic Lemon

• 1 tsp. Orange Blossom Water

• 1 tsp. Pure Maple Syrup

Pre-heat oven to 350º F.

1. Line bottom of a 9" round cake pan with parchment paper, and grease it and the pan sides with Coconut Oil or butter.

2. Separate the eggs, making sure the egg whites go into a clean, dry bowl.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, zests, extract, orange blossom water and Maple Syrup until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour, baking powder and soda until combined. Add the flour mixture to the egg yolks and mix well.

5. With and electric mixer, whip the egg whites starting on low-speed and gradually increasing to high.

6. When frothy, add the pinch of salt and vinegar. As they begin to increase in volume, add syrup a little at a time, as you continue to beat the egg whites. When thick enough to form soft peaks, they are ready.

7. Very gently fold the egg whites into the flour mixture a large spoonful at a time, (never stirring). As you add more egg whites, the mixture will become light and fluffy. Don't rush this process.

8. Gently scoop the batter into your prepared pan, and bake for 35 minutes in middle of oven, until top is golden.

9. Remove from oven.

10. Mix citrus juices with orange blossom water and the maple syrup.. and pour evenly over top of cake.

11. Let cool. Run a knife around the edge and lift from pan. Serve with whipped coconut cream.

Tropical Grapefruit Salad

Tropical Grapefruit Salad

This deceptively looking light salad is quite filling. You may serve it on butter lettuce leaves for an even more elegant presentation. Serves about 4.

• 1-1/4 c. grated Coconut

• 2 tsp. organic Tamari sauce

• 2 Tbs. organic Lime Juice

• 2 Tbs. Water

• 2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 organic Garlic clove, halved

• 1 organic White Onion, finely chopped

• 1 large Ruby Grapefruits, peeled and segmented

• 1 c. organic Alfalfa Sprouts

Toast coconut in a dry skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl.

Add Tamari sauce, lime juice and water to the coconut and mix well.

Heat olive oil on medium in a sauté pan for 1 minute.  Add garlic and onion, and stir until softened. Remove and discard garlic.  Add onions to coconut mixture.

Arrange grapefruit segments among 4 plates.

grapefruit coconut salad

Sprinkle each with alfalfa sprouts and spoon the coconut mixture on top.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

My Gluten-Free Pizza Dough

• 2 ½ c. Bob’s Red Mill All-purpose Flour

• 1 c. Almond Flour

• ¼ c. Olive Oil

• 1 ½ tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 Tbs. Tapioca Starch

• 2 pkgs. active dry Yeast

• ½ tsp. Sugar or Honey (for proofing)

• 1 ½ c. very warm Water

• Add : ¼ c. chopped organic Green Onion, or 1 tsp. dry (1 Tbs. fresh) Oregano to dough for a twist

Place yeast and sugar in warm water to proof.  Set aside for 10 minutes.

Place flours, oil, salt and starch in Food Processor or mixer with dough blade.  Blend until crumbly.  Add herbs if you’re using any, and slowly add 1 c. of the water while processor/mixer is on. 

Add as much of the rest of the water until dough holds together and is soft to the touch, but not very sticky.  If it is too sticky sprinkle a little flour and process until incorporated and dough is smooth.

Place dough in a glass or stainless steel bowl that has been lightly oiled, cover and let rise for 45 minutes.

I like to pat the circles out by hand to 1/4″ thickness (thinner is better), but you can take 4 oz. of dough (for mini pizzas) and roll with a rolling-pin, or make one large or two medium pizzas.

Top with your choice of sauce, and chopped veggies and herbs.. then finish off with shredded plant-based Cheese.

Bake in lower half of 425º oven for 12 – 15 minutes, or until bottom is golden brown and cheese is melty. Will make 6 – 7 small pizzas depending on size.  Also fun for appetizer size pizzas.

~ Enjoy! ♥

Tabbouleh - Authentic Recipe

Tabbouleh has become a popular offering in restaurants and grocery stores across the U.S.  Most of what is passed as Tabbouleh is someone's own version of the Lebanese classic.  It either has too much bulgur wheat or includes spices that are not in authentic Tabbouleh. Havng grown up in Lebanon, I wanted to share this easy to make, nutritious and delicious salad with you.  This recipe has just the right balance of flavors. It can be a side or a meal in itself.

Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh

Serves 6-8

2 bunches organic Italian parsley, chopped fine 1 bunch organic mint, chopped fine 6 organic green onions, chopped 2 c. chopped ripe organic tomatoes 1/4 c. fine whole wheat Bulgur, soaked in 1/2 c. warm water * 1/3 c. lemon juice 1/4 c. virgin olive oil 1 tsp. Sea Salt or to taste

Soak the bulgur wheat for 10 minutes, until it is no longer crunchy.  If you're using a coarser bulgur grain, soak a little longer.

Mix vegetables in a large bowl. Squeeze the bulgur wheat by the handful and add to veggies. Do not mix in yet. Pour the lemon juice over the bulgur wheat in the bowl, then add the olive oil and salt, and mix well. That's it...!

If you want to eat this salad as the locals do, then have some fresh organic lettuce or cabbage leaves on hand.  Fill with Tabbouleh and enjoy.

Note: The dressing is usually added to the Tabbouleh veggies 20 minutes before serving. It will keep covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

* To make a gluten free version, substitute quinoa or bran flakes for the bulgur.

P.S. Sometimes I add finely chopped radish to the salad... don't tell my relatives! ♥

Lentil balls

There is nothing more satisfying than cooked, spiced lentils. They are a staple in my home.
This recipe is quite tasty and makes a wonderful protein-rich side dish.

• 1 c. Red Lentils, rinsed

• ¾ c. Quinoa or millet

• 3 c. Water

• 1/3 c. organic EV Olive or Avocado Oil

• 1 organic white Onion, chopped

• 1 Tbs Tomato Paste

• 1 bunch organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1 c. finely chopped Green onion

• 1 Tbs. organic Lemon Juice

• 1 tsp. Cumin

• 1 tsp. Sumac

• Sea salt and Black pepper to taste

Cook lentils and quinoa in lightly salted water until done. Rinse and drain.

Sauté onions in olive oil + 2 Tbs. water over medium heat until golden, stir in tomato paste and cook 1 – 2 minutes.  Stir in spices and remove from heat. Add the cooked, drained lentils and quinoa. Add green onions and cilantro and mix again.

Shape into rounds with ice cream scoop and serve with tomato and lemon slices, and sumac.

Veggie, Bean and Lentil Bowl

A fillling nutritious meal in a bowl.

Prep Ingredients

• 1 Tbs. Coconut oil or e.v. organic Olive Oil

• 3 medium cloves of Garlic, finely chopped

• 1 cup diced organic White Onion

• 1 Tbs. Ginger, finely chopped

• 2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1-1/2 tsp. Cayenne

• 1 tsp. grnd Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1 organic Broccoli, cut into pieces

• 1 c. organic Carrots, cut in 3/4" chunks

• 2 c. organic Zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces

• 6 - 7 organic Red Radishes, halved

• 6 - 7  organic Mushrooms, sliced (opt.)

• 15 oz. organic Tomato Sauce

• 1/2 - 1 c. hot Water

• 1/2 c. organic Red Lentils, rinsed

• 1 c. cooked Cannellini Beans (or Black beans)

• Chopped fresh cilantro

  Heat oil and 2 Tbs water in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

  Add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the onions is translucent. Add cayenne, cinnamon and allspice. Stir mixture for 3-4 minutes.

  Add vegetables, tomato sauce and 1/2 c. of water. Bring to a boil. Add lentils and beans, cover and simmer on low heat until lentils are cooked and vegetables are tender, about 25-30 minutes.

  If needed, add the rest of the hot water for stew-like consistency.  Serve in deep bowls garnished with cilantro and chili flakes.

Hoda's Lentil Salad

Lentils have been a staple, like rice, in the Middle East, for many centuries.  Eaten together, they offer a low-fat, nutritious source of complete protein, fiber, iron and other essential minerals.

Glycemic Values

The glycemic index gives us the impact of carbs on our blood sugar levels; the higher a rating, the more it spikes your blood sugar. On a scale where 100 is pure sugar (glucose), white rice has a GI of 64, while lentils are low on the index at 29.

This salad is full of fiber and flavor.

• 2 c. boiled organic Brown Lentils

• 3 organic Scallions, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

• 1 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

• dash of Black pepper

• Splash of lemon juice (opt.)

Mix all together.  Let sit 15 minutes to blend flavors.  Stir and enjoy served in romaine lettuce leaf boats.

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

The Most Delicious Non-dairy Ice Cream!

Two new yummy words: ASHTA and MASTIC GUM.

Ashta is the creamy foundation of many Lebanese Desserts. It is made with either dry milk, or for a richer flavor half and half. It is used as a filling in shredded phyllo desserts, and in pastry. It is also served as a dessert with nuts, or frozen.

Lebanese Ice Cream

Lebanese ice cream contains mastic gum, which lends it a gelato-like texture. It comes in a myriad of flavors and is served in narrow cones.

Mastic Gum

This is a resin made from the pistacia lentiscus tree. The mastic plant originated in the Mediterranean nations in the south of Europe, northern portions of Africa, and the Middle East. The gum has a variety of uses in cooking, art, and alternative medicine.

For cooking, mastic gum requires boiling in hot water or another liquid, because the hardened resin will not dissolve in cold water. It comes in 'crystals' and can be crushed into a powder to add to puddings.

mastic gum

• 1 pint organic Vanilla Plant-based Ice Cream

• 1/4 c. Orange Blossom water

• 1/4 c. Rose water

• 1 c. finely chopped Pistachios

• 1/2 tsp. crushed Mastic gum

Crush the Mastic gum in a mortar and pestle till it becomes very fine (powdery).

Transfer ice cream to a bowl.  Add the flavored waters, mastic and 3/4 of the pistachios.

Mix well, but quickly so as not to melt the ice cream.

Transfer to a glass baking dish. Sprinkle remaining pistachios on top. Cover with wax paper and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

You may cut into squares and store in a freezable container. 

Lime Coconut Cream for Citrus Almond Cake

Make 1 recipe of the Almond Citrus Cake, and bake in a 9" Spring-form pan.

While it cools, make the topping.

Lime Coconut Cream

• 1 15oz. can Coconut Cream (not milk)

• 1-1/2 Tbs. Lime juice or 1 tsp. organic Lime zest (optional)

• 1 tsp. Pure Vanilla extract (2 tsp. if you don't use Lime)

• 2 Tbs. Pure Maple Syrup

• 1/4 c. toasted Cashews or Hazelnuts, crushed

Refrigerate can of Coconut Cream upside-down, for at least 3 hours or overnight.

When ready to use... flip can back upright, and open. Any liquid should be floating on top. Drain the liquid carefully using the lid, so you don't lose any cream.

1. In a dry metal bowl, beat cream with mixer for about 3-4 minutes or until it thickens and holds soft peaks.

2. Add the lime juice and extract and beat another minute.

3. Add maple syrup and beat again, until the consistency is what you desire.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.  The cream will thicken considerable when chilled.

5. Spread on cake and garnish with nuts and/or fruit of your choice.

If you have leftover cream:

1. Use to top fresh fruit, or in cocoa, or oatmeal

2. Mix in chopped fruit and chocolate chips and freeze for a summer treat!

Baked Southwestern Sweet Potato Cakes

Sweet potatoes are full of wonderful vitamins, are alkaline and help reduce blood sugar.

You can enjoy them several times a week cooked in various ways.  They're versatile enough to be in a stew, curry, veggie patty, served on their own, or in a dessert.

Baked Southwestern Sweet Potato Cakes

• 2 organic Sweet Potatoes (medium-large, not small)

• 15 oz. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 2 cloves organic Garlic, minced

• 3 organic Spring Onions, thinly sliced

• 3 Tbs. organic Red Onion, diced

• 2 Tbs. organic Parsley, chopped

• 2 Tbs. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

• ½ tsp. Cumin

• ½ tsp. Chili powder

• ½ tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 tsp. fresh organic Thyme, minced or ¼ tsp. dry

• 2 tsp. fresh Lime Juice

• Avocado or Olive oil for baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Steam sweet potatoes in their skin, covered, until soft. Do not boil, as they lose flavor and will be too wet. Remove potatoes from pot, peel and mash in a medium bowl.

Place 1/2 the beans in food processor and blend. Add the rest of the beans, the garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro, and spices and lime. Stir by hand to combine.

Form mixture into 8 patties, just under 1/2" thick.

Southwestern Style Sweet Potato Cakes 1

Place patties on oiled baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 12 minutes, flip carefully and bake for another 10 minutes, or until browned.

Southwestern Style Sweet Potato Cakes 3

Serve topped with a fresh salsa (tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cucumber, lime or lemon juice and 2 Tbs. plain almond or coconut yogurt), or enjoy in a high-fiber gluten-free bun with condiments.

~ Cheers! ♥

Broccoli-Carrot Slaw

Broccoli - Carrot Slaw

Lemon juice dresses one of my all-time favorite salads that I invented to get the kids to eat Broccoli! It also gets apple cider vinegar in their diet (wonderful health benefits).

Broccoli_Carrot Slaw

Recipe

• 6 c. organic Broccoli Slaw, or 4 cups chopped up organic Broccoli and 2 c. shredded carrots

• 1 c. organic Parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

• 2 medium organic Garlic cloves, mashed in mortar and pestle with 1/2 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

• 4 Tbs. Vegenaise

• 1-1/2 Tbs. Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 Tbs. Lemon Juice

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. Celery Seed (or you can add 1/2 c. fresh Celery, chopped

Combine veggies in a large bowl. 

In a small bowl whisk dressing ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour over veggies and toss to coat.

Note:  This is a light dressing, not meant to look like the thicker Slaw dressing we're used to. ~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Hot Cross Buns - Any Day of the Week!

Ever wonder why we seem to feel that traditional Holiday Fare must be served solely on their respective observed Holiday? Wouldn't it be wonderful to both awaken the energy held in said Holidays and enjoy the foods served, during other times of the year?

The dark chocolate chunks made this a dessert. Of course you're welcome to use a few raisins instead.

ChiPPY Hot Cross Buns

Dry Ingredients:

• 3¼ cups gluten-free flour (about 1 lb.).
  For the best results use a GF flour blend; 1-1/4 c. Sorghum flour 1-1/8 c. Gluten Free Oat Flour (e.g. Bob's Red Mill) 1/4 c. Potato Starch, generous 1/2 c. Almond Flour/Meal

• 2 Tbs. Coconut Palm Sugar or Birch Xylitol

• 2 Tbs. Apple Pectin (opt)

• 2½ tsp. Yeast

• 2½ tsp. Psyllium Husk powder

• 1 tsp. Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

• ¼ tsp. each: Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg

• 3/4 c. Dark Chocolate Chips or 1/2 c. Raisins

Wet Ingredients:

• 1½ c. Almond Milk

• 3 Range Free Eggs

• 4 Tbs. organic, grass-fed Ghee, melted

• 2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

Next day:

• 1/4 teaspoon Instant Yeast ( or regular yeast mixed with 1 Tbs. warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes)

• 1 Tbs. Warm Water

Egg Wash:

• Mix 1 large Egg with 1 Tbs. Almond or Coconut Milk

Method

1. Combine all dry ingredients (except fruit or chocolate chips)

2. Combine wet ingredients and then add to the mixed dry ingredients. Fold in fruit or chocolate chips.

3. After mixing dough thoroughly, cover tightly with wax paper, then a clean dish towel and refrigerate in a bowl overnight.

4. The next day: Dissolve the 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast in the water. Stir this into the dough.

5. Grease two 8"x8" square or two 9" round pans with coconut oil, and place 8-9 balls of the dough into each pan. Preheat oven to 350º F.

6. Smooth out the tops of the buns and brush with the egg wash.

7. With a sharp knife, slice a shallow cross (+) in the top of each roll. Let them rest in a warm room (or 100 degree oven) for about 10-12 minutes.

8. Place baking pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating once during baking, until the buns are golden brown and firm to the touch.

9. Allow buns to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely... if you can wait that long!

No icing necessary, but you must try them warm with a smear of coconut oil and sprinkle of cinnamon.

Sumptuous Salmon Salad

Many benefits of eating cold water, wild fish.. and Salmon is a variety that carries a considerable amount of  Omega 3's. 

salmon cans TJ

• 1 – 14.75 oz. can Wild Salmon, drained (or home-baked filet)

• 3 – 4 organic Green Onions, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Leeks, chopped

• 1/3 c. organic Parsley, chopped

• 1/3 c. or more organic Celery, chopped or thinly sliced

• 3 Tbs. Vegenaise or 4 Tbs. Plain Almond Yogurt

• 1 tsp. organic Lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp. Celery seeds (opt.) or Dill

• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

• Dash of Sea Salt

• 2 Tbs. organic Dill Pickle, minced (opt.)

NOTE:  I like to remove the skin pieces from canned Salmon, but leave the bones in for calcium.  If you mind the light crunch, then mash the ones you find between your fingers, or with a fork, but do leave them in!

Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl. Combine Vegenaise or Yogurt with lemon juice and spices.  Add dressing to salmon mix and blend well.  Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve in Romaine lettuce boats, or as a sandwich with tomato, red onion and lettuce.

I like Udi's gluten-free Omega Flax or Millet Chia bread.  It has a good fiber to carb ratio.  You may dab Olive Oil on bread if served as a sandwich.

Quick Mini Veggie Wraps

Next time you shop buy two packages of Brown Rice Wrappers and Nori sheets to have on hand. You can improvise with the filling. Use organic, no-sugar-added Peanut Butter for the sauce base.

Mini Veggie Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Note: Add 1 tsp. Lime Juice for more zip.

• 4 sheets Brown Rice Wrappers

• 2 sheets sushi-grade Nori

• 1 1/2 c. organic Zucchini, shredded

• 1 c. organic Carrots, shredded

• 4 organic Scallions, cut into thin strips

• 3/4 c. fresh organic Cilantro, stems trimmed

• 1/2 c. organic Mushrooms, sliced thin

• 1/2 c. organic Red Cabbage, shredded

• 1/4 c. organic Yellow or Red Bel Pepper, thinly sliced

Spicy Peanut Sauce

• 1/4 c. organic, no-sugar-added Peanut Butter

• 3 Tbs. Coconut Aminos or Tamari Sauce

• 2 Tbs. Rice Vinegar

• 2 Tbs. organic ev Olive Oil

• 1 Tbs. raw, organic Honey (Maple syrup for vegan)

• 2 tsp. Sesame Oil

• 2 tsp. organic Garlic, minced

• 2 tsp. Ginger

• 1 tsp. crushed Red Pepper flakes (opt.)

• 2 tsp. Water or Lime juice

Mix all ingredients, whisking until smooth.  (You may add a few crushed peanuts if you so desire.)  Place in a bowl.

To make Nori, go through the same process, but do not dip in water.

 Place on a chopping board or kitchen counter covered with parchment paper.

Spread 2 tsp. of sauce along center, and place up to 3/4 cup of filling (1/6 of each veggie), in layers, on wrap. Fold ends in and roll firmly but carefully, so as not to tear sheet.

Cut into 1-1/2" slices with very sharp knife, and place on serving platter. Do this with remaining sheets or rice wraps. Serve with additional peanut sauce, or Tamari.

~ In Good Health! ♥

Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad

• 4 c. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 1/2 c. organic sweet Onion, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 c. organic Mint, chopped

• 1/2 organic Serrano Chili Pepper chopped (opt.)

• 2 medium organic Tomatoes, chopped

• 2 organic Green Onions, chopped

• 4 Tbs. organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's is best)

• 2 Tbs. Lemon Juice

• 2 Tbs. Flax Seed Oil

• 1 Tbs. Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin or more to taste

• Black Pepper

Mix everything together in a large bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Nutty Crackers

My sweet daughter was born on the 4th of July.  She has lived up to the spirit of that day in both her energy and expression of pure joy.  I made these crackers of hthe 4th to go with several dips.

Nutty Crackers - Gluten Free

This recipe will make about 35 - 50 crackers depending on size.  I got fifty 1-1/2" diamonds.

nutty crackers baked

• 1/2 c. dry roasted Almonds, salted

• 1/2 c. Pecans

• 1/4 c. Walnuts

• 2 Tbs. Chia Seeds

• 2 Tbs. golden Flax Seeds

• 2 Tbs. black or regular Sesame Seeds

• 2 Tbs. Macadamia nut pieces

• 2 Tbs. Sunflower seeds

• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 Free Range Egg

• 3 Tbs. Water

• TOPPINGS: anise seeds, sesame seeds, caraway seeds or flaked salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 360°F.

Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place all ingredients (except toppings) in a food processor.  Process until mixture has even grains, about 2 minutes.

Divine the dough into two, and place on parchment paper in the pans. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper to prevent rolling-pin from sticking.

Roll each ball out into a rectangle, turning the parchment paper in the pan to accommodate the rolling-pin. Roll quite thin (2 - 3 mm).

Use a sharp knife to cut into desired shape. I made a tray with diamond-shaped crackers and sesame seeds topping, and another that I hand pressed into rounds with anise seeds.

nutty cracker batter3

Mist with a little water to help your topping stick. Push the topping into the crackers lightly.

Bake for about 9-10 minutes, watching carefully after 8 minutes so they don't burn. Store in airtight container.  Will keep for 3-4 days.

Dark Chocolate Black Bean Bars

• 3/4 c. cold-pressed Coconut Oil

• 5 oz. 85% organic Dark Chocolate, broken into pieces

• 2 c. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 3 Tbs. organic raw Cocoa Powder

• 3 Tbs. Coconut Flakes (more to taste)

• 1 c. organic Walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1 pinch of Pink Sea Salt

• 2 Free Range Eggs

• 3 Tbs. freshly ground Golden Flax Seeds

• 2/3 c. Birch Xylitol or 1 c. Chicory Root powder

Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 11-inch square or 8 x 11 baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt the coconut oil on low heat in a medium size pan, add dark chocolate pieces. Stir around until the chocolate is completely melted.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars

Put beans, cacao powder, coconut flakes and 1/2 cup of the walnuts in a blender or a food processor. Blend for one minute or until well chopped, then add the chocolate mixture and blend for one more minute, scraping down sides once.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars6

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, add the flax seeds and xylitol and beat for one more minute.

Save 1 tablespoon of egg mixture in a separate cup and pour the rest into the chocolate and bean mixture and process just until incorporated.

Add remaining walnuts and dark chocolate and stir gently with a spatula to blend.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars7

Pour into the baking pan.

Drip the remaining egg mixture on top of the chocolate mixture and use a toothpick or a knife to create a marble effect.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars final

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes depending on size of pan. They might still feel a little soft in the middle when you test with a toothpick, but they will harden when they cool. These are decadently chocolaty!

You can spread a little no-sugar-added raspberry jam on top for variation.

~ Enjoy!  ♥