Cleaner Chocolate Candies For Your Sweetie

It only seems appropriate that I post some cleaner chocolate candies you all can make for your sweethearts! Or for yourself:)  Today I will include 3 different candies you can make and of course I have to include a recipe to make the most popular food item for this Valentine's Day holiday...Chocolate covered strawberries.  Though I am a fan of dark chocolate chips and I am not telling anyone not to consume them (I do daily), with these recipes, you will actually be making your own chocolate.  Don't fret, it's super easy!

Now, good dark chocolate is good for you-in moderation.  But this chocolate that you will make is super crazy good for you. Like...crazy amounts of goodies in it for your body.  One of the main ingredients is coconut oil which holds amazing benefits for your health.  Did you know that Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins! Did you also know that Coconut fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. One study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose, and contributes to more heart problems.

Enough information.  Here's your first look at one candy we will be making.

This is a cleaner version of the amazing Snickers candy bar! I got the recipe from another vegan site, and changed up several ingredients to fit what I had handy in my pantry & they are nothing short of amazing!!

For this recipe, you will need:

For the Chocolate:

• 1 Cup melted virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 Cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 Cup agave or honey

Yes that's it! Just mix those 3 ingredients and you will make the most delicious chocolate.  You can even pour this mix alone into muffin wrappers, freeze it for an hour, pull it out and enjoy as is. Or you can add the next few steps and make this cleaner Snickers!

 

For the center:

• 1 cup of dates - soak in warm water for about an hour
• 3 tbsp. of agave or honey
• 2 tbsp. of fresh made peanut butter - you can use a good natural PB or almond butter
• 2 tbsp. of coconut oil
• 2 tsp. of vanilla
• dash of salt

Throw all ingredients into your food processor and process until smooth. That's it!
Now, line your muffin pan with muffin wrappers, pour one thin layer of the chocolate mixture in each wrapper, then scoop a layer of the center mixture in, then top with a layer of chocolate again.  I threw some peanuts in the middle too. After all, Snickers has peanuts in it too right?? Yes!

 

I mean, seriously?? Yes. I am in love with these chocolate candies!

 

 

Now, for a couple more ideas to make for you or your sweetie.  Simply take the chocolate recipe from above, and either throw some peanuts or nut of choice in, roll it around, then drop on some wax paper.  Freeze for just 15+ minutes and you've got a much healthier version of chocolate covered peanuts and chocolate covered strawberries.  You can do this with any fruit or nut and it'd be delicious and you can impress everyone with your skills!

 

The only warning I have for you is you will want to eat all of your product in one sitting!

Unfortunately, for this next chocolate treat I only have a link to my instagram for you to view a photo. http://instagram.com/p/cAfSMlqgdn I sincerely hope you check it out or go into this one blindly because you will NOT regret making this treat!

Peanut Butter cups-cleaner version (more like clean version)
(recipe will make 6+ PB cups depending how big you want each one to be)
For the peanut butter filling:

• 1/2 cup of oats ground down into a flour
• 3 tbsp. of peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. of melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp. of agave or honey

Mix all ingredients and line your muffin pan with muffin papers and scoop a good tbsp. of mix into each tin.

Use the same recipe from above for the chocolate(just different measurements):

• 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
• 2-3 tbsp. of cocoa powder
• 2-3 tbsp. of honey or agave

Now, scoop a good tbsp. of this chocolate mixture over each peanut butter mixture and freeze for about an hour before eating!
These babies will blow your mind!

Chocolates can be very pricey this time of year.  This is where I defend the price of some of these ingredients.  One jar of coconut oil will set you back less than the cost of one box of chocolates and you can use it on all of these recipes & still have leftover.  Dates are about $3-$4 for 1-2 cups. That will make two batches of the Snickers!
Each one of these recipes contain HEALTHY fats unlike a box of chocolates!
So I encourage you to treat yourself to some homemade healthy chocolates!! Enjoy!!