There’s no denying a child’s magnetism towards sweet foods, but it’s important to make healthy choices when treating them to something special. Refined sugar, artificial sweeteners and even processed fructose can dramatically affect your child’s health as they depress the immune system – making your child more susceptible to getting sick, and they cause spikes in blood sugar levels – which can create imbalances leading to chronic health problems. Sugar can also affect behavior, attention, and learning capabilities.
The best thing for your child is homemade raw/baked goods that you can create with them, using natural, unrefined or raw organic sugars. Alternatively fruit in its complete form, away from any other foods is a great addition to your child’s diet and actually provides nutritional benefits.
Treat your children to something that’s going to nourish and benefit them, such as this delicious, healthy homemade chocolate…
Raw Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped cacao butter (packed)
1 cup coconut oil melted
3-5 tbsp Canadian maple syrup (or coconut sugar)
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa / cacao / carob powder
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1 pinch sea salt (optional // plus more to taste)
toppings: nuts, coconut or dried fruit (optional)
Recipe
Add 2 inches of water to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Then set a medium glass or ceramic mixing bowl on top, making sure it’s not touching the water (this creates a “double boiler”).
To the mixing bowl, add finely chopped cacao butter and melt for 2-3 minutes. Add in the coconut oil and also melt for 1 minute.
Once melted, turn the heat off and add the maple syrup and use a whisk or wooden spoon to mix until fluid and thoroughly combined. Remove bowl and set on a flat surface.
Add cacao or cocoa powder, vanilla (optional), and sea salt (optional), and whisk to combine until there are no clumps.
Carefully pour chocolate into chocolate mould. Top with your choice of nuts, coconut or dried fruit.
Transfer chocolate to the freezer or refrigerator to set – about 10 minutes.
Enjoy straight from the freezer, refrigerator, or at room temperature. Store leftovers in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer up to 1 month.