raw chocolates

I'm starting my new year's resolution now.  Right now.  Today.

Why?  Why not.

The holidays are fast approaching, and I'll be one step ahead if I start my resolutions now. Besides, part of my resolution last year was to not put things off to the last minute.

If I start my resolutions now, I am not going to be fighting people for a treadmill at the gym on January 2nd, or stuffing my face with unnecessary amounts of unhealthy food over the holidays. 

I am going to be ahead of the game.  

I am going to start my resolutions now because there is no better time than now to start doing something to better yourself.

Here are some of my resolutions:

Take more pictures

Eat more raw food 

Use facebook less

Use twitter more

Don't judge

Workout outside more 

Eat more chocolate

Learn a new dance move 

Stop sweating the small stuff

These raw chocolates will help me bang a few things off my list. 

So why raw and why chocolate? Did you know that RAW cacao has the most antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, out of any superfood on the planet?

That is serious. 

So why does chocolate have a bad wrap?  Unless it is raw, chocolate is processed, cooked down, and stripped of all those powerful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Then they add more processed sugar and dairy.  No wonder people feel guilty after eating chocolate. 

I'm all about the raw cacao. And these raw chocolates.  You should start your new years resolution now .... and add raw chocolate to it.  

raw chocolates

Makes
About 12 chocolate squares. Depends on the size and shape you make your chocolate.

Ingredients

1 cup of raw cacao nibs
1 cup of raw agave syrup
1 1/2 cups of coconut oil
1 teaspoon of almond extract 
Sea salt (a pinch, plus more for garnish)

Directions

• In a blender or food processor, blend all of the ingredients for a few minutes until completely smooth. 
• Pour the chocolate into a mold or if you do not have a chocolate mold you can pour them onto a sheet pan that is lined with parchment paper. 
• Freeze the chocolate until it is firm (at least 2 hours), or until you are ready to use. 
• When you ready to use, you can cut the chocolates into whatever shape you choose and serve.  

{Adapted from You Won't Believe It's Vegan! by Lacey Sher and Gail Doherty}

 Enjoy. 

Comments

[Evan Thomas]

Wow, terrific photos!
I didn't realize it was so easy to make raw chocolate. I need to find some budget-friendly cacao nibs. They're delicious but always so heavily priced at the grocery stores.

[Jodi]

Evan, Thank you so much!
And, it is hard to find the cacao nibs at a good price but you can shop around (online is a great place to look around) and find some for about $5-6 for 8oz. So worth it to make you're own raw chocolate :)

[Chris]

Yum! I just discovered this recipe and just made it. So easy! Judging from the licks I took from the spatula, the finished product is going to be a perfect raw treat! I'm going to take some to my aunt's for Christmas Eve... If it lasts in the house that long!