WIlly Wonka At Work Again

I think it was about two years ago I played around with making my own candies and stuff but this time I really out did myself (not to sound all high about myself or anything but read and you will understand).

Before I just melted down chocolate and carob- anyone can really do that, this time I made my own chocolate!! For real!! I know.

I have been reading a lot of raw blogs and recipes lately and really wanted to try making some raw chocolate of my own. It seemed simple enough to do and after talking to a friend who had made it I was inspired to really try it. I have been trying to find cocoa butter, food grade, to make my own but haven't really had much luck and lots of recipes just use coconut oil, I have that, so why not try it.

One would think it will give a coconut flavor, but it doesn't. I did add coconut to some of my chocolates but the oil doesn't add any thing but good fat. All you need is some cacao powder, coconut oil, a sweetener of sorts and vanilla. Then any add ins that you want. Spices, coffee, fruit, dried fruit, coconut, endless possibilities.

Raw Chocolate

3/4 cup cacao powder
3/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Raisins, toasted coconut, peanuts, almonds

Melt the oil either in warm water or on the stove top.

Mix in the cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Then pour into molds, or add things to the mix. I wanted to make a few different mixes like a chunky bar (raisins and peanuts), toasted coconut and raisins, just coconut, and one with cinnamon just to see how it would be. And I made a few just chocolate.

Put them in the fridge and let them harden.

It was the richest, best chocolate I have ever had. Also the maple syrup didn't make it taste like syrup, you don't even notice it. You can use agave nectar too I just didn't have any.

I also wanted to try making a coconut butter bark. I saw it on this blog: Coconut Butter Bark. So it tried it out.

I didn't have trail mix so I just used raisins and toasted almonds and come cinnamon. It came out great. I also tried making one taste like a mounds bar- didn't really work but still taste good.

"mounds"

heavenly goodness

Before you eat all your sweet creations eat dinner. How about some Sweet Potato Pizza...

Sweet Potato Kale Pizza

2 large sweet potatoes
1/2 bunch of kale
1 pint grape tomatoes

For the dough:
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 1/2 cup whole wheat white flour
1/2 cup millet flour
1/2 cup garbanzo bean flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon each slat and pepper
1/2 cup water

Allow the yeast to proof in the warm water.
Mix all the flour and herbs together.
Add in the yeast and water mixture. If still to dry slowly add in some of the extra water until a nice dough forms. Coat the dough ball with oil and allow to proof for 30 minutes.

Roast the sweet potatoes with just oil salt and pepper or add spices if you wish (I did- coriander, onion, and oregano and I left the skin on).

Saute the kale and cut the tomatoes in half.

Roll out the dough and in place it on a floured pan. Bake in a 400 degree preheated oven until the dough becomes firm about 10 minutes.

While the potatoes are still warm- mash them.

Top the pre-baked crust with the mashed potatoes, then the sauteed kale and tomatoes.

Bake again for 20 minutes or so. Cut it up and enjoy.

I really liked this warmed I ate it as a sandwich while going to Six Flags the other day but once warmed you really taste everything better, as strange as that sounds.

So this maybe my last post for a while because of a summer job I got so if it is I will talk to you all soon. Have a GREAT summer!! <3