Homemade Chocolate Bar

When you crave a taste of chocolate, nothing else will do. This homemade chocolate is delicious on its own, but stir in a few healthy extras and you have a decadent snack that will leave you and your body feeling nourished and satisfied.

1 cup (250 mL) chopped cocoa butter 3 Tbsp (45 mL) maple syrup or coconut nectar 1/4 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out (optional) 2/3 cup + 2 Tbsp (190 mL) raw cocoa powder 2 Tbsp (30 mL) raw pumpkin seeds 1 Tbsp (15 mL) cacao nibs 2 Tbsp (30 mL) unsweetened coconut flakes 1/2 tsp (2 mL) Himalayan sea salt (optional)

Line baking tray or individual loaf moulds with parchment paper, or have ready a selection of chocolate moulds.

Place cocoa butter in medium heatproof bowl and set over saucepan filled about a quarter full with water. Position saucepan over medium-low heat and allow cocoa butter to melt slowly.

Meanwhile, whisk together maple syrup or coconut nectar and vanilla seeds (if using).

Once cocoa butter has melted, remove bowl from saucepan and sift cocoa powder over cocoa butter. Pour in syrup mixture and stir with spatula until well incorporated. Gently stir in pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and salt (if using).

Pour chocolate onto prepared baking tray and let it spread into a thin layer, or divide evenly among moulds. Place chocolate in freezer to firm up, about 10 minutes, before unmoulding and storing in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Makes about 22 servings.

Each serving contains: 109 calories; 1 g protein; 11 g total fat (9 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 4 g total carbohydrates (2 g sugars, 1 g fibre); 54 mg sodium

Raising the bar

Use this recipe as a stepping stone to creating your own chocolate concoctions. Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, different seeds, and even some spices such as cinnamon or a pinch of ground chili to create a personalized chocolatey indulgence.

source: "Smart Snacking", alive #387, January 2015