Wholesome “Mars Bar” dessert idea
By Sari Huhtala
This easy dessert idea was inspired by pricey store-bought natural food goodies a friend left behind one day. I glanced at the ingredients on the package, then recreated it in my kitchen in a flash. I taste-tested them amongst a group of 19 women and may have witnessed the biggest foodgasm ever, not to mention someone added it was reminiscent of a Mars Bar. And so, here it is!
Chop about ½ cup of dates in half to check for pits (any kind of date will due). Toss the dates into a food processor or blender till finely chopped. Scoop a small handful of processed dates into your hand and roll it around to shape into a small ‘log.’ Depress the centre part of the ‘log’ slightly and fill with melted dark chocolate.
Or, instead of dark chocolate you can use 2 tbsp of melted coconut oil, 1 tbsp cocoa powder and a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Stir well and pour a small amount into the depression in the ‘log.’
Place into fridge to set the chocolate. Chop a few raw almonds. Once the chocolate has set, push a couple of raw almond pieces into the chocolate centre, then use your hands to pinch the date around it. Dip the whole ‘log’ into melted chocolate, or into a melted coconut oil mixture. Note: I like to combine the melted coconut oil mixture with a bit of dark chocolate so that the bars don’t melt into your hands immediately, which is what occurs when it’s solely coconut oil based.
Place chocolate dipped logs onto parchment paper covered plate and place in fridge to set. Store in covered container in fridge. This is a great make-ahead dessert idea!
Happy eating!
Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine. She has over 25 years experience in journalism and over 15 years experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. She offers holistic cooking classes from her farm in Spanish, ON. Email friends@thelaughingforest.ca for more information.
