Here is a simple family favorite!! We love chocolate, I mean who doesn't?? I hate the chemicals and sugar in most store bought candy. This gives us that special treat without any guilt. I am
sure you have seen recipes like this everywhere, here are the bibets that I do that make this my favorite!!!
I know it takes a little planning, but I soak my nuts before using them in any recipe. Soaking your nuts and seeds removes the phytic acid that encapsulates all nuts and seeds. That phytic acid protects the seed so it can grow and become a plant, which is good, BUT it causes indigestion & binds up all the vitamins and proteins. So, soaking nuts helps in digesting them properly and reaping the benefits of these nutrients. There are lots of amazing nutrients in nuts and seeds like iron, protein, calcium, B vitamins and zinc all are better absorbed by the body when you soak the nuts.
It is easy peasy >>> I add my nuts to a mason jar, add 1 tablespoon sea salt and fill with water. I let it sit on the counter or refrigerator for at least 24 hours up to 48 hours. Then I drain and rinse. You can lay them out to dry or you can put them in the oven on the lowest setting for a 5 minutes on both sides until they are complete dry and store for later. BE SURE THEY ARE DRY or they will mold. Cool completly then add to a dry jar with a lid. These are still considered raw nuts. They will store like this for several months. For this recipe I dry roast them in the oven @ 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use store bought dry roasted nuts or raw nuts. I use raw nuts often, but I like the texture of the roasted nuts. If you use store bought roasted nuts, do not add the salt in the recipe.
You can use whole nuts or lightly chopped nuts. I toss my nuts in a food processor and pulse a few times. Some are still whole, some our powdered. I love the texture.
You can also use unsweetened dark chocolate instead of the Lilys chocolate chips made with Stevia. Simply add 1 tablespoon of Monk sugar per 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate. This is Brian’s favorites! You could of course use any chocolate chips that work.
You could stop here and you have yummy chocolate Nuts with salt. Traditional and amazing!!! YOU know I have to add my oils!!! We have used so many Vitality Essential Oils in our chocolates through the years. Personally, I LOVE the orange, cinnamon and oddly Christmas Spirit. Those are my top favorite's. Make sure you add the essential oils to the coconut oil before you add the chocolate so the aroma is evenly spread through every yummy bite!
Vitality Infused Chocolate Nut Clusters
Ingredients:
· 18 oz Dark Chocolate Chips by Lily's | Stevia Sweetened
· 2 teaspoon coconut oil
· 6 drops Vitality Essential Oil of choice (I like Orange, cinnamon or even Christmas Spirit)
· 3 cups toasted chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts macadamia or even peanuts)
· Celtic Sea Salt
Instructions
In a double broiler, add Vitality Essential Oil to the coconut oil.
Add your chocolate & stir frequently until almost smooth and fully melted, pull from heat when there are still some lumps. They will continue to melt. Do not burn.
Moving quickly, stir in your nuts. There should be no additional chocolate pooling in the bottom of the bowl, add more nuts if necessary.
Drop spoonful’s of the mixture onto a wax paper
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt >>> don’t skip REALLY kicks up the flavor
If needed, place the pan into the freezer to hasten hardening.
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