Healthy chocolate caramel candies

By Sari Huhtala

Fiddling around with dates one day, after creating a few different healthy chocolate bars, I figured it was time to create the ultimate candy treat – chocolate-covered caramel bites – aka rolos.

These two-ingredient chocolate caramel drops are divine, and make a perfect summertime dessert idea for those days when you just don’t feel like baking. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.

Unlike a conventional chocolate covered caramel that is made with sugar, glucose, modified milk ingredients, cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, palm and vegetable oils, modified palm oil and rapeseed lecithin, salt, sodium carbonate and natural flavour, this candy is made with only dates and dark chocolate.

Alternatively, in place of dark chocolate you can melt coconut oil, with cocoa and honey and create a chocolate coating. I like to add a bit of dark chocolate to it so that it doesn’t melt in your hands right away.

Rolos

About 1 cup of pitted dates (chopped in half to ensure there is no pit)

Approximately 50 grams of dark chocolate, melted

Or, melt 2 tbsp of coconut oil in small saucepan on low heat. Stir in about 1 ½ tbsp of cocoa and about 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (or sweeten to taste). Add a square or two of dark chocolate and mix until melted.

Place chopped dates into food processor and process until soft and sticky. Roll a teaspoonful at a time in your hand to form a ball, then dip into melted chocolate. Place onto parchment paper-covered platter or cookie sheet and place into fridge to set. Once chocolate is hardened, place rolos into a covered container and store in refrigerator.

Hint: If you don’t have a food processor, that’s ok. You can just take one date at a time and squish it up in your hand, then roll it into a ball. Easy peasy!

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca