Dark chocolate goes a long way toward satisfying a post-dinner need for sweets. It’s especially perfect when what you need is a little pick-me-up to turn a “hangry” moment into an “ahhh” moment. We’ve adapted this Rocky Road and studded it with all kinds of goodness to calm your day. From Medjool dates to goji berries, it’s a delicious superfood treat.
Tips
- Rocky Road is delicious with any number of variations. Substitute goji berries with dried chopped pineapple, cranberries, strawberries, or even candied ginger. You can also substitute pistachios with macadamia nuts or almonds.
- Want to take your entomophagy to another level? Try dried crickets dipped in chocolate. They make a delicious crispy topping for any dessert (although we must agree, anything dipped in chocolate is a tasty treat!).
Healthy Rocky Road
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) pitted Medjool dates, about 7
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) cricket powder
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) gluten-free rice cereal or granola
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped, toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped 70% dark chocolate
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) dried goji berries
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped, toasted pistachios
- 2 tsp (10 mL) flaked sea salt
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) dried whole crickets (optional)
- 1 oz (28 g) white chocolate, melted (optional)
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories128
- protein2g
- fat10g
- saturated fat7g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates10g
- sugars7g
- fibre2g
- sodium78mg
Directions
01
Grease and line 8 in (20 cm) baking tin with parchment paper that extends over edges of pan. Set aside.
02
In food processor, combine dates, coconut oil, cocoa powder, cricket powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whirl, scraping down sides, until blended. Transfer to bowl and stir in granola, chopped pecans, and dark chocolate. Spread out in prepared baking tin. Scatter with goji berries and pistachios and gently press in with the palm of your hand. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Refrigerate until firm.
03
When ready to serve, take parchment and lift firmed Rocky Road out of pan to cutting board. If using, dip dried crickets into melted white chocolate and place strategically on top. It will set very quickly. Alternatively, simply drizzle melted chocolate over mixture.
04
Cut Rocky Road into 25 squares and serve. Store any remaining squares in tightly sealed container in refrigerator.
Irene McGuinness is a writer, recipe developer, food stylist for numerous magazines and corporations, and alumna of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
