Raw Cacao Nut Butter Cups

Dalla Cucina di Laura

"Chocolate comes from cacao, which is a tree.  That makes it a plant.
​  Therefore, chocolate is a salad."  :)  - Unknown

OK, chocolate is definitely not a salad but it can supercharge your health and well being!
​This powerful, little bean can improve cognitive function, increase energy, boost the immune system, balance hormones, reset your metabolism, protect your heart, improve mood
AND enhance your sex life!  (P.E.A. or phenylethylamine is an aphrodisiac!)

​Raw, naturally fermented cacao is an Amazonian, antioxidant superfood. 
​The Incas called it the "drink of the gods", which gave rise to its tree name Theobroma-
Greek for theo (god) and broma (drink).
Superfoods contain significantly higher quantities of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants,
anti-aging and disease fighting properties.

​This is not the chemically processed, toxic chocolate you'll find in the candy isle,
(not to mention adding dairy to chocolate actually blocks the absorption of antioxidants).
​ This is the raw, organic, naturally fermented and unprocessed cacao,
which natural benefits include:
 1. 20 x more antioxidants of blueberries and 119 x more than bananas.
​ 2. The highest plant based source of iron and magnesium.
 3. Healthy fats similar to olive oil.
 4. More calcium than cow's milk.
​ 5. A natural anti-depressant.
 6. A natural blood thinner.
​ 7. MAO inhibitors which shrink appetite.
​ 8. A great source of sulfur for your liver and pancreas.
 9. Increase of cellular life which prevents premature aging.
​10. AND the bliss molecule, anandamide, which creates relaxed feelings of euphoria!

​Do we need any more reasons to be crazy about cacao???
I think not.  ​So start today.... with my Dark Cacao Nut Butter Cups!
​Happy and Healthy :)

​Ingredients for the nut butter mixture:
​2 tbsp. organic, unrefined coconut oil
​5 tbsp. organic almond, peanut, hazelnut or cashew butter
1 tablespoon Frontier vanilla or maple flavoring (or sweetener of choice)

​Ingredients for the chocolate mixture:
2 tbsp. of Foods Alive Raw Cacao Powder 
​I use this: foodsalive.com/products/organic-cacao-powder-foods-alive
2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 tbsp. almond butter
​1 tbsp. Frontier vanilla flavor or extract
​a dash of organic pumpkin pie spice
Makes 12 chocolate cups-

Directions:
In separate bowls on low heat, melt the two mixtures until blended thoroughly.
​Line a 12 mini muffin pan with mini paper cupcake liners.
​First pour the cacao mixture in half way. (Should be similar to a cake batter consistency.)
​Freeze until solid, about 15 minutes.

​Then pour the nut butter mixture in to the top. (​Should be similar to a cake batter.) 
​Freeze until solid, another 15 minutes.
Remove cups with liners still on and place on a plate.
Spread a little almond butter on and top with fresh berries or chopped nuts.

​Keep refrigerated as coconut oil will melt. ​Remove just before serving.
​
FEEL THE BLISS! :)
​Buon Appetito Tutti!!
Laura
xx

For more fun food facts on the benefits of cacao, here is Dr. Mercola:
foodfacts.mercola.com/cacao.html​


 
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