Foodie Friday: Chocolate with Health Benefits from The Wizards Magic

 

Chocolate, glorious, chocolate! Who doesn't love indulging in a bar of chocolate? Well, how about if that bar of chocolate had health benefits? Yes, really! The Wizards Magic have just done that and waved their magic wands over their amazing bars of yummy chocolate!

Based in York, England, The Wizards Magic has created a scrumptious chocolate bar brand with a difference. Their USP is that their chocolate has superpowers; well, OK, not exactly superpowers per se, but certain health benefits that one might not be accustomed to finding in a bar of regular chocolate.

At the heart of their business is a core of ethical sourcing that works with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation to ensure that West African cocoa farmers are protected and supported financially and within their communities. The cocoa beans are then shipped off to Belgium to be crafted into some of the finest bars by expert chocolatiers. 

But back to the magical health benefits...

The Wizards Magic has a range of clinically approved chocolate bars that helps to boost immunity, thanks to the addition of carefully chosen essential oils and superfoods such as Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and Coenzyme Q10. 

Ever curious, I tried two of these bars in the Orange and Caramel flavours; both of which tasted like luxury, high quality milk chocolate. There's definitely a subtle 'tang' to them which I assume is the added vitamins etc, but it doesn't distract from the smooth milkiness of the chocolate which melts in your mouth, and I particularly enjoyed the Caramel flavour which was decadently rich and almost truffle-like.

In addition to the Immunity chocolates, The Wizards Magic has chocolate infused with other superfoods like CBD, Lions Mane, Manuka Honey, Wolf Berry and more. 

Dairy-free or vegan? There are some excellent plant-based, dairy-free chocolates available too such as the Orange flavour above (these are packaged in green card to help customers distinguish them from the rest of the range), however, I must point out that these sadly lack the added health benefits. That said, they are some of the best vegan chocolate that I've tried with a base of silky smooth rice milk and a velvety texture.

Shop the full range at thewizardsmagic.com

Read more

Foodie Friday: Mr. Popple's Chocolate review - Raw, Organic, Vegan & Ethical #GiftGuide

 

Calling all fellow chocoholics - this post is especially for you! Dive into the scrumptious world of Mr. Popple's Chocolate and discover some of the best raw, organic, and vegan chocolate that I've ever had the pleasure of trying.

Chocolate is, of course, a very easy product to review, but it's not always the easiest to shop for these days. With increasing awareness about child labour, slavery and environmental destruction being linked to the process of making chocolate, it's more important than ever to make ethical choices for both people and the planet.

This is why I'm pleased to feature Mr. Popple's Chocolate as the first addition to my Christmas Gift Guide for 2021!

Why You Should Buy Mr. Popple's Chocolate

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is a proper bean-to-bar chocolate that's handcrafted using raw Criolla Cacao which is fairly traded in partnership with a local farmer's co-op in Peru. Not only is the cacao sustainably grown in the Amazon rainforest where no trees are cut down to farm it, but it's also higher in antioxidants and polyphenols than the leading dark chocolate brands (as tested by Oxford Brookes University).  

Using high-quality organic ingredients, the bars are handmade without any cheap refined sugars or fats, instead letting the flavour of the raw cacao do all the talking. A little sweetness is added with low GI Yacon Syrup or Coconut Blossom Sugar, so this chocolate is great for those who are keeping an eye on their sugar levels.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is completely plant-based and free from the top 14 allergens including dairy, soya, gluten and nuts which means it can be enjoyed by everyone. 

That's not all! These chocolate bars are wrapped in plastic-free compostable packaging and are free from palm oil to be kinder to the planet.

There are currently seven different flavours in the main range to explore plus some special limited edition bars. Personally, I'm not much of a fan of dark chocolate, but if you are, Mr. Popple's have 88% and 100% raw chocolate bars available for those who like the really dark stuff. 

Signature Seventy

Mr Popple's original raw chocolate sensation, the Signature Seventy is 70% raw cacao, sweetened with Yacon Syrup and a touch of creamy Lucuma Fruit. It's as dark as I like my chocolate to be, and has a wonderful rich quality to it.

Dark Mylk

For something creamier but that still possesses that rich dark quality, the Dark Mylk bar is a real treat. A combination of Hemp and Rice Milks has been added to 61% raw cacao with a little golden Coconut Sugar for a truly indulgent result.

Creamy Mylk

Gloriously smooth and silky, the Creamy Mylk is one of those vegan chocolates where you have to double-check the packet just to make sure it doesn't contain any dairy as it tastes so similar to the real thing. With 43% raw cacao, this one has a proper moreish mouthfeel and it's the perfect choice for those who enjoy high-quality raw chocolate but prefer something milkier and sweeter.

Pumpkin Spice

A special limited-edition flavour, Pumpkin Spice is an additive blend of 43% raw cacao with a cosy mix of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and Cloves layered over creamy Hemp and Rice milks. I love seasonal flavours like this so stock up and pop them into your Santa stockings!

Euphoric Orange

Back to the darker quantities, Euphoric Orange is a festive choice for this time of the year with 70% raw cacao, Sweet Orange Oil and a little Yacon Syrup and another personal favourite of mine.

Uplifting Mint

To round off, I had to include Uplifting Mint which in my opinion is equally as festive as chocolate orange. It has a similar composition with 70% raw cacao and an interesting twist of Lime that fits nicely with the Mint Oil.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate Bars* (pictured above are 35g bars, £2.19 each) are available from mrpoppleschocolate.co.uk

Are you buying chocolate treats this year?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Foodie Friday: Introducing Flower & White - Delicious Fairtrade & Vegetarian, Sweet Treats Under 100 Calories

 

Here's an extra special Foodie Friday post this week just for my lovely vegetarian readers, let me introduce you to the blissfully sweet world of Flower & White!

Every now and then, there's a brand that pops up that ticks all of the right boxes when I'm looking for something to satisfy my massive sweet tooth, and Flower & White have exceeded all of my expectations in this area.

Based in Telford in nearby Shropshire, this independent business has grown from humble beginnings making giant Swiss meringues in a shed, to being a hugely successful brand with stockists selling their yummy products across the UK.

Their USP? Making delicious chocolate-covered meringue bars that are wholly indulgent, but which come in at under 100 calories. They're suitable for vegetarians, made from only natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours, additives, E-numbers or preservatives, and they're also gluten-free. Take all of my money now!

That's not all though. Flower & White are an ethical brand in every sense of the word. The egg whites used to create their melt-in-the-middle fillings are all free-range, and they use fairtrade ingredients to ensure that farmers are paid properly. To help the environment, all of their products are made without palm oil and their packaging is made from 100% recyclable paper.

Coveted for their original chocolate-covered meringue bars, these are currently available in five different mouth-watering flavours so you can take your pick from Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Crunch, Raspberry Crumble, Hazelnut Praline and Salted Caramel. 

The rich flavour and creaminess of the chocolate perfectly compliments that light and airy meringue filling which really does melt in your mouth. Each bar is just 95 calories, yet they are so sweet and satisfying that you won't feel like you've eaten a typical low-calorie bar.

It's easy to fall in love with these sweet treats, and whilst the bars are the ideal serving size for one person, Flower & White also sell larger 75g pouches of mini meringue bites in all of the above flavours so you can share them with friends and family. They'll be a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together for sure! Like the bars, the pouches are also made from 100% recyclable paper packaging and each bite comes in at just 26 calories.

Shop the full range at flowerandwhite.co.uk

Are you a fan of meringues?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Health & Lifestyle: Are Chocolates Bad? Not At All! #AD

When you think of it, it is almost impossible to know that an ovoid, long and yellow to red-coloured fruit that has pulp-covered seeds, can be turned into the yummy treat that we now know. This aromatic product which can be in the forms of liquid, bars, paste, or powders, are widely used in confectionery and can also be used in cooking.

Before it became chocolate, it all started from the tree called Theobroma cacao which literally translates to "food of the gods" in Greek. The fruit referred to as cacao pods are harvested when ripe, where you can get sour beans covered in a white pulp. These trees are native in South America spread across southeastern Mexico to the Amazon River. When the popularity of chocolates surged, plantations in West Africa, South and Southeast Asia were established. At present, countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Indonesia, Côte d'Ivoire, and Brazil account for most cocoa production in the world.

But how does it become chocolate, you ask? The process of turning these white seeds into the brown coloured treat that we know nowadays takes time. The seeds are typically taken out of the pods first and placed on fermentation trays before it gets covered and left for two to seven days. This process is an important step because it gives the chocolate its aroma and flavour. After the fermentation, the seeds are then dried under the sun for another three to five days. Many manufacturers use rotary driers for faster drying, but it is said that drying naturally under the sun gives the best tasting product. Afterwards, the beans are cleaned and roasted until all the remaining components are the nibs. These cacao nibs are then turned into thick paste consistency called chocolate liquors.

Chocolates are undeniably one of the best treats there is, and we are lucky to be living in these times where this simple fruit can be turned into the sweet treat that we know. At the same time, there is more to it than just being a plain bar of sweets. Chocolates can also provide health benefits when consumed moderately.

Health Benefits of Chocolates:

Chocolates have been coined as an unhealthy treat, creating a bad reputation for it. This is due to its high sugar and high-fat content that has been associated with health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, acne, heart disease and high blood pressure. But unbeknownst to many, moderate consumption of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can actually provide health benefits. Here are some:

• Contains fibre and minerals. A bar of chocolate with a high cocoa content of 70–85% can be a good source of a decent amount of fibre and minerals that can benefit our body. It contains iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and small traces of caffeine and theobromine.

• Good source of antioxidants. Chocolates, especially the dark kind, contain compounds, such as polyphenols, flavanols and catechins that are active antioxidants that are believed to aid in fighting free radicals in the body.

• Helps improve blood flow. The flavanols in dark chocolate are known to stimulate the lining of arteries, making them relax, which influences the blood flow reducing the blood pressure.

• Increases HDL (good cholesterol). Aside from the ability of dark chocolates to decrease insulin resistance which is often associated with diabetes and heart disease, cocoa powder is found to be helpful in increasing the HDL or the good cholesterol while preventing the oxidation of LDL, the bad cholesterol.

• Reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Due to chocolate's ability to help improve blood flow and reduce the bad cholesterol in the body, it is said that it has the potential to help lower the risk of developing heart disease.

• Protects the skin. Skin benefits like protection against sun damage, increased skin density and hydration are associated with flavanols which can be found in chocolates.

• Improves brain function. Since it contains stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine, cocoa and dark chocolates can help improve the brain's function in a short term period. Additionally, it contains flavanol, which helps increase the blood flow not only in the body but also in the brain, which also helps with cognitive function.

Different Kinds of Chocolates:

Although you can find tons of different kinds of chocolates in the market nowadays, there are only three main types of this sweet and aromatic treat.

• Milk Chocolate - This type of chocolate is the most common in the market. It is mixed with milk or cream, sugar and contains 10% to 50% of cacao solids.

• Dark Chocolate - This type of chocolate is hailed to be the most healthy kind. It is also mixed with milk and sugar, but the cacao solids percentage can go anywhere from 50% to 90%.

• White Chocolate - This white-coloured type of chocolate is made from milk solids, sugar, and sometimes vanilla. Unlike the two other types, this chocolate does not contain cocoa solids but cacao butter instead.

Other Types of Chocolates:

• Semisweet Chocolate
• Bittersweet Chocolate
• Unsweetened Chocolate (or Baking Chocolate)
• Cocoa Powder
• Sweet German Chocolate
• Couverture Chocolate
• Ruby Chocolate

Healthier Options:

If you are looking for chocolates with other health benefits, here are some healthier choices:

Ashwagandha-infused Chocolate - Known to reduce blood sugar levels, this powerful adaptogen can be found infused in chocolates sold in the market. Aside from chocolate's health benefits, additional advantages of having ashwagandha on it are reduction of stress, anxiety, risk of developing depression, and it is also believed to have anti-cancer properties.

CBD Oil-infused Chocolate - Becoming popular in the market, many people use CBD oil for pain, anxiety, sleep and even skin conditions. Different edibles like CBD gummies UK, CBD cookies and CBD oil infused-chocolates are considered the perfect option because you can get your CBD oil dose conveniently even when you're on the go.

Nootropic herbs-infused Chocolate - Nootropic herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm, Bacopa, Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu kola are powerful herbs that are known to boost your brain functions and cognitive health. You can find nootropic herb-infused chocolates in the market if these are the benefits that you are after while enjoying the yummy treat.

Mushroom-infused Chocolate - While there are many kinds of mushrooms in the world, many of them are used due to their health benefits. Mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps are said to be the most potent kind of mushroom and can be beneficial to heart health and boosting energy. It also has anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Eating chocolates infused with these mushrooms in moderation is surely a great way to rake in these benefits.

Read more

Introducing: Fleur - Eco Luxury Femcare / Period Subscription Box review

 

Subscription boxes are a great way to treat yourself every month, and with Fleur, you can even make your periods more convienent, bearable and dare I say, a tiny bit enjoyable?! OK, it's probably wishful thinking for the latter part but at least opening this box is fun!

I was recently introduced to Fleur via Instagram and their positive attitude to creating a 'feel good' luxury femcare subscription box with an eco-friendly vibe, definitely resonated with me. Their boxes have been specially curated to mimic a spa experience to help you enjoy some period self-care me-time, so if you're looking for a mix of skincare and yummy snacks and treats, in addition to your femcare essentials, you're in the right place.

Fleur were kind enough to send me a box to show you all, so let's get stuck in and see what's inside.

Plastfree Sanitary Pads Night Pack

When you subscribe to Fleur, you can specify whether you'd like to receive sanitary pads, tampons or a mix of both, and everything that they send you will be organic and plastic-free. In my box, I found a pack of 10 Night Sanitary Pads from Plastfree. These pads are biodegradable, eco-friendly, fragrance-free and free from any additional chemicals, with leak-proof wings and a high absorbency layer. Unlike mainstream plastic-based sanitary pads that can take over 500 years to decompose, Plastfree pads will biodegrade in just two years.

Jade Facial Roller

I was excited to see what kind of pampering products Fleur would include their boxes and I love this handy Jade Facial Roller which is perfect for indulging in some facial massages with. There are lots of techniques that you can use with these to depuff and encourage healthy collagen production and blood flow, and I find they work very well with your favourite facial oil.

Glam Up Clarifying Oatmeal Mask, Revitale Gold Collagen Eye Masks and UpCircle Eye Cream sample

I must admit that I was a little disappointed to see a selection of disposable, single-use sheet and eye masks in a box that has such an eco-friendly ethos about it. However, I've tried them out and they are lovely products. The Glam Up Clarifying Oatmeal Mask is a nice me-time treat that most skin types will enjoy, and the Revitale Gold Collagen Eye Masks are perfect for soothing tired eyes after a long day. I'm already a big fan of UpCircle's skincare and their Eye Cream helps to brighten and firm the delicate eye area.

Baylis & Harding Jasmine & Apple Blossom Luxury Hand Gel

Next up, there's a travel size bottle of Baylis & Harding Jasmine & Apple Blossom Luxury Hand Gel which smells beautiful! Formulated with added moisturisers, it doesn't leave your hands feeling stripped or dry afterwards and kills 99.9% bacteria.

Popcorn Shed Sweet & Salty Mini Popcorn

Moving onto the snacks, this bag of Popcorn Shed Sweet & Salty Mini Popcorn really hits the spot when you can't decide which flavour sensation to go for. It's vegan-friendly, gluten-free and less than 133 calories per pack for a guilt-free treat.

NOMO Caramel Choc Bar & Moo Free White Bar

Indulge your sweet tooth with these two delicious vegan-friendly chocolate bars! I love NOMO and their Caramel Choc Bars are literally heaven on earth with smooth and gooey caramel centre, whilst the Moo Free White Bar is a sweet and creamy solid bar of dairy-free white chocolate. Yum!

Rose Sweets & Heath & Heather Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags

To round off the box, I found a selection of lovely rose-shaped gummy sweets and two samples of Health & Heather Raspberry Leaf Tea Bags which are caffeine-free and help to alleviate period pain.

Fleur Box is available as a monthly subscription from £17.99, or can be purchased as a one-off box for £22.50 from fleurstore.co.uk

Do you subscribe to any boxes like this? 

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Foodie Friday: Ombar Organic Raw Chocolate - Super Choc Bundle review

Getting a treat delivered through the post has been one of the few highlights of being in lockdown and a great way to lift your mood when everything seems so overwhelming. Like many, I've used this time to support some of my favourite ethical and independent businesses and this month, I decided to treat myself to Ombar's Super Choc Bundle. 

If you haven't tried Ombar before, please read this review as fast as humanly possible and put in your order online for one of their Super Choc Bundles - you won't regret it!

Ombar are the crème de la crème of dairy-free chocolate. From the first moment that you savour their impossibly rich and creamy creation, you'll instantly fall in love. Not only is their chocolate vegan-friendly, gluten-free and organic, it's also fair trade (purchasing direct from farmer's co-ops in Ecuador) and made with raw cacao with zero refined sugar. But Ombar doesn't taste like a regular 'healthy' chocolate at all, neither does it taste like a typical dairy-free one. How do they do it then?

Firstly, the use of raw cacao means that there are more polyphenols (the super healthy compounds found in cacao and other plant-based ingredients) in each bar which you won't find in cacao that's been heated at high temperatures or roasted. Secondly, as there's no refined sugar present, the sweetness of the chocolate comes from a little added Coconut Sugar, whilst Creamed Coconut replaces traditional milk solids for a smooth and silky texture. Finally, each Ombar is packed with billions of live cultures (Lactobacillus Acidophilus) for a tasty dose of gut-friendly bacteria.

Ombar is a 'superfood chocolate' and each bar provides a source of Maganese which helps to protect your cells from oxidative stress.

And it's utterly delicious! With 14 flavours to choose from, I knew I had to treat myself to a Super Choc Bundle where you can build your own box of Ombars and choose 8 flavours to try.

What's In My Box?

Ombar Coco Mylk

Coco Mylk is Ombar's lightest and creamiest mylk chocolate - perfect for those who want dairy-free chocolate but aren't a fan of the dark stuff. With 55% raw Cacao, it has a delectable melt-in-the-mouth texture and the natural coconut flavouring comes through the strongest with this one.

Ombar Strawberry Mylk

Coco Mylk's fruity little sister Strawberry Mylk has all the coconutty goodness with a zingy Strawberry flavour blended throughout. It's literally like your favourite childhood strawberry milkshake in bar form - absolute summer heaven.

Ombar Coco 60% 

Coco 60% takes the raw Cacao count up to 60% so that you get a deeper chocolatey flavour than Coco Mylk. I really enjoy a piece of this to satisfy my sweet tooth after dinner and with such a rich taste, it's a good one to properly savour.

Ombar Mandarin

Orange chocolate is a classic flavour combination and it doesn't get better than Ombar Mandarin. Smooth and dark with tangy Mandarin and a pinch of tart Cranberry to help zing it up further, this is the one to try if you think you don't like dark chocolate.

Ombar Centres Pistachio

The Ombar Centres bars are a truly special creation and each one has a smooth filling sandwiched between two layers of 60% dark chocolate. As you can see, I chose two of the Pistachio flavour as it's my current favourite and one was just not enough! I could actually eat a whole box of these as that subtle nutty Pistachio centre is to die-for.

Ombar Centres Raspberry & Coconut

Raspberry & Coconut is another fruity and creamy flavour that reminds me of Wimbledon and lazy summer days. The balance of the slightly tangy Raspberry is spot on with the creamy Coconut for a match made in summertime heaven (or all year round, it's that good).

Ombar Centres Coconut & Vanilla

Finally, my last choice was Coconut & Vanilla from the Centres range. I find that it's one of the more sweeter offerings from Ombar and it really hits the spot when I want a really indulgent and creamy bar of chocolate.

Ombar Super Choc Bundle is £12.74 (8 x 35g bars of your choice) with free UK P&P - ombar.co.uk

Have you tried Ombar?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

How To Create A Luxury Spa Experience At Home With Rabot 1745 Beauty #StayHome

Your favourite spa is currently closed but don't worry, it's super easy to recreate a luxury spa experience at home with Rabot 1745 Beauty!

Love at first 'smell' is how I would sum up my recent introduction to Rabot 1745 Beauty. This new-to-me brand is based here in the UK, but is influenced by the sunny Caribbean island of St Lucia where its star ingredient, Cacao, has been farmed since 1745 on their very own Rabot Estate (hence the name!). You'll find cacao at the centre of Rabot 1745's range of products which include skincare, body care, candles, fragrances and more, and given my love for all things remotely chocolate-related, I jumped at the opportunity to try out some of their luxe pampering treats. 

Everything is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and suitable for vegetarians (with many products also vegan-friendly), and I'm impressed with the company's ethics regarding their recycling investment with Plastic Energy. Plus, Rabot 1745 are currently helping the NHS with the #RabotHelpingHands initiative that includes donating hand creams and hand gels to frontline NHS workers which is fantastic to see.

Moving onto the products themselves, here are three easy steps to creating some much-needed personal relaxation time in your bathroom.

Start With Clean Hands

The importance of clean hands has never been clearer and I find that washing your hands thoroughly before a pampering session helps your mind to reset itself, as you shift your focus to the more blissful task of unwinding and closing the door to the outside world. The Cacao & Aloe Hand Wash* is a vegan-friendly cleanser that utilises the natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera, alongside Cacao Seed Butter to keep hands soft and supple. 

Available to purchase alone or as part of a bundle with their brilliant Cacao & Coconut Hand Cream* - with each Helping Hand Duo bought, Rabot 1745 will donate a 60ml bottle of their brand new Hand Gel to the NHS so it's a good time to stock up (buy yours here). 

Prep With A Body Scrub

One of Rabot 1745's bestsellers are their amazing Body Scrubs which all come packaged in a reusable coffee cup - how awesome is that?! I decided to try the Sugar & Sour Orange Body Scrub* (280ml, £16, link) which has an instantly uplifting citrusy scent that's wonderfully awakening and summery. Made from a blend of plant-based oils such as Sweet Almond, Shea, Argan and Jojoba Seed with pure Sugar and lots of citrus essential oils, this easy-to-use scrub buffs away dull, dead skin cells for a smoother and softer result all-over.

Pamper Yourself In Liquid Chocolate

Body masks are often the pièce de résistance of many a luxury spa experience and the Liquid Chocolate Body Mask* (200ml, £14.95, link) is one of the most indulgent treatments I've ever had the pleasure of testing out at home. This utterly delectable creation does indeed smell like the richest chocolate on earth, and with skin-friendly ingredients such as Kaolin Clay, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, it's easy to see why I'm such a fan. 

Smooth it all over, relax for around 10 minutes or so until it feels dry, resist the temptation to lick it off (seriously, it smells so good you'll want to eat it!), and instead rinse with warm water. It'll leave your skin feeling velvety soft and looking glowy and gorgeous - what more could you ask for?!

Shop the full range at rabot1745beauty.com

Are you a fan of chocolate and cacao beauty products?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Foodie Friday: Healthier Snickers Bars (Vegan, Dairy-Free & Refined Sugar-Free) recipe

For this week's Foodie Friday, I've made a healthier, vegan, refined sugar-free and dairy-free version of one of my favourite childhood chocolate bars - Snickers!

This terrible weather has made me want to raid the cupboard in search of sweet, chocolatey snacks every evening and whilst I don't mind indulging every now and then, it was becoming a little problematic for my weight to be scoffing chocolate bars every single day. My metabolism just isn't what it used to be sadly!

So I decided to try my hand at making a healthier version of a Snickers bar and I'm really pleased by how these have turned out. I tested out a couple of 'raw food' recipes for them that I found online, but in the end, I decided to use roasted nuts as they gave the bars a much more realistic 'Snickers' flavour.

The date caramel on the top layer is just the most amazing thing ever, and even though the bottom layer is made from oats and coconut flour, it's still incredibly satisfying to eat - these really do hit the spot when you have a chocolate bar craving!

P.S: Don't be put off with the list of ingredients and the steps - these are actually VERY easy to make as you're mostly just blending and layering everything together.

Ingredients (makes around 6-8 bars)

For the date caramel layer:

• 10 Medjool Dates
• 75g Peanuts, unsalted roasted or raw
• 2 tbsp Peanut Butter
• 1 tbsp Tahini
• 50ml Coconut Oil, melted
• 40ml Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt

For the oaty base layer:

• 60g Wholegrain Oats
• 40g Coconut Flour
• 2 tbsp Rice Malt Syrup
• 40ml Almond or Cashew Milk
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil, melted

For the chocolate flavoured coating:

• 100g Cacao Powder
• 200ml Cacao Butter, melted
• 60ml Maple Syrup
• Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt

Method

• First, discard the pits from the Medjool Dates and add to a bowl. Pour hot water over them and allow to soak for at least 10 minutes to soften up. Drain and set aside.
• Add the Oats and Coconut Flour to a blender or food processor and blitz until you get a fine texture, and then add this to a mixing bowl.
• Next, add the rest of ingredients of the base layer to the mixing bowl - Rice Malt Syrup, Coconut Oil, Salt and Almond Milk, adding the Almond Milk a few tbsp at a time. Mix together with your hands to create a soft dough.
• Press the dough into a lined loaf tin, smoothing out the top and then place in the freezer.

• Now for the caramel layer - add all of the caramel ingredients, except the Peanuts, to a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy. Add a little water if needed.
• Remove the loaf tin from the freezer and carefully spoon the caramel layer on top. Sprinkle in the Peanuts and roughly smooth everything out. Return to the freezer for 3-4 hours.

• For the chocolate coating, melt the Cacao Butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, remove from the heat and sift in the Cacao Powder. Add the Maple Syrup and Salt, and whisk together so that you have a smooth and glossy liquid chocolate.
• Remove the loaf tin from the freezer and lift it out so that you can slice it into 6-8 bars. Dip each bar into the chocolate coating and place on a flat board that will fit into your freezer. Once all the bars are dipped, pop the board back into the freezer to set for 30 minutes.
• Once set, you can store the bars in an airtight tub in the freezer for up to a month - enjoy!

Serving tip: Don't fancy a whole bar? Cut them in half for smaller 'bites' and remove from the freezer to defrost slightly before eating.

Have you made healthier chocolate bars before?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Foodie Friday: No Bake Salted Chocolate Pretzel & Peanut Butter Squares (Vegan / Dairy-Free recipe) #Veganuary

Happy Friday everyone! As today marks the end of a very successful Veganuary, I wanted to round off the month with a chocolatey sweet treat which is based on a simple no-bake recipe. These Salted Chocolate Pretzel & Peanut Butter Squares are seriously moreish so you have been warned!

Vegan desserts and sweet treats are often a lot easier to make at home than you may have previously thought, thanks to the ingredients being readily available from most supermarkets these days. It's simply the case of finding a like-for-like product such as dairy-free chocolate or a plant milk alternative to use instead.  

With this in mind, I wanted to share an easy no-bake recipe for Salted Chocolate Pretzel & Peanut Butter Squares as I feel it's a great recipe to try if you're new to veganism. They're also healthier than something you'd buy pre-made/prepackaged in the shops, and these yummy squares are the perfect size to pop into lunch boxes or to keep in the fridge for whenever you have a sweet snack craving.

I'm hopelessly addicted to that salty chocolate flavour sensation so these really hit the spot if you're a fan too!

Ingredients (makes 8-10 squares)

• 80g Salted Pretzels, plus extra for topping
• 80g Jumbo Rolled Oats
• 150g Medjool Dates
• 6 tbsp Peanut Butter
• 2 tbsp Maple or Agave Syrup
• 150g Dairy-Free Milk or Dark Chocolate
• 2-3 tbsp Dairy-Free Milk
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil

Method

• Line a brownie tin with baking paper and set aside.
• Place the Salted Pretzels, Oats, Dates, Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup into a food processor and blitz until everything comes together to form a rough dough-like texture.
• Add 2 tbsp of the Dairy-Free Milk and blitz again so that the dough feels sticky between your fingers. If it's still a bit dry or crumbly, add an extra 1 tbsp of Dairy-Free Milk and mix again.
• Transfer the dough to the lined brownie tin, using a spatula to spread it evenly and to smooth out the surface, pressing it firming into the tray. Set aside.
• Next, break up the Dairy-Free Chocolate into smaller pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl with the Coconut Oil. Heat on medium-high for 20-30 seconds until mostly melted and then stir to ensure a smooth and glossy consistency.
• Carefully pour the melted Chocolate over the dough layer, using the spatula again to smooth it out so that it's an even layer. Finish with some broken pieces of Salted Pretzels and pop into the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
• Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Storage tip: Keep the squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Do you enjoy no-bake recipes?

[Recipe adapted from PlantBased magazine]

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more