HEALTHY CHOCOLATE CRISPY SQUARES

This little number is the healthy version of my favourite childhood treat - chocolate rice crispy squares! They remind me of school cooking classes and Easter holidays so have a lot of good memories attached to them. Of course back then they would have lot's of milk chocolate and marshmallows thrown in so I thought I'd revive this retro treat and give it my own healthy veganised spin.

They're gluten-free, dairy-free and oh so simple to make, literally like 5 mins to throw everything together, then just pop them in the fridge or freezer and you'll have a delicious treat in no time. This is a great one to make with the kids and they'll love the chocolatey taste (ok now I sound like an advert).

I added flaxseed as it's a good source of fibre and omega-3, it promotes weight loss and I also find the fibre is great for my IBS (so far).

Ingredients:
(makes 8-12 squares or half a baking tray)

- 4 cups gluten free crispy rice cereal
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 2/3 cup cashew butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cacao
- 4 tbsp coconut oil



Instructions:

1.) Mix rice cereal and flaxseed together in a bowl.

2.) Put the coconut oil, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cacao in a pan. Heat on high till it bubbles then simmer on the lowest heat continually stirring till you reach a smooth, thick consistency.

3.) Remove chocolate mixture from the heat and pour rice cereal mix into the pan, mix till cereal is coated in the chocolate.

4.) Spoon mixture into a lined baking tray (a deep pan one will work best) and press the mixture down firmly and evenly.

5.) Place in the freezer for 1hr or the fridge to set overnight.

6.) Remove and cut into squares.



A perfect afternoon treat with a cup of tea or crumbled over coconut yoghurt, banana ice cream and smoothies.

RAW TAHINI ENERGY BALLS

I love making raw energy balls, they're quick and easy to make plus you get a really deliciously healthy treat as a result. They keep fresh in the fridge for days so you can make a big batch of them in advance then eat them all week long!

The combination of dates, cacao and maple syrup makes these energy balls decadent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth while the tahini and oats will provide you with enough energy to see you through the afternoon, way more effective than reaching for a biscuit or chocolate bar! Paired with a nice cup of almond milk tea these are just a dream! All in all these energy balls are a perfect work-break pick me up, on the go snack or healthy lunch box treat.

Ingredients (makes 9-12):

- 1 1/2 cup gluten free oats

- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

- 1/4 cup light tahini

- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pink himalayan salt
- 3 tbsp raw cacao powder
- Small cup of sesame seeds and/or cacao for rolling (optional)

Method: 

1.) Put all the ingredients listed into a food processor or Vitamix blender. Blend on high until a smooth texture is achieved and you can't see any oats whizzing round, you may need to scrape down the sides of the processor/blender. 

2.) Scoop out the mixture out with your hands or a spoon - this is the really messy part but don't worry it's supposed to be sticky! 

3.) I then like to refrigerate the mixture for an hour or even overnight until it hardens slightly, making it easier to roll into balls. 

4.) Roll them in a bowl of sesame seeds or cacao powder to coat. 

The cacao powder makes them feel more truffle like and brings out the cacao flavour while the sesame seeds give them a nice texture and bring out the tahini more. You could even turn them into an extra special treat by drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the raw mixture and adding them to a bowl of banana nice cream. 

If you liked these check out my Raw Cacao Bliss Balls recipe.