Coconut-Carob Haystacks from RAWvolution: pure simple bliss

Sometimes I just can't curb my chocolate cravings. In the past that meant consuming refined sugar, but now that I know better I've found ways to get my fix without sending my glucose levels sky high. Today, I couldn't stop thinking about chocolate, so I whipped out my healthy recipe books in search of a naturally sweet treat.

In general, when I look for recipes I search for ingredients that I already have in my kitchen - today I had carob powder and maple syrup, so I decided to make the raw Coconut-Carob Haystacks in the RAWvolution book. I've been meaning to try my hand at them for a while, since they are my favorite dessert in their cafe; little did I know how easy they were to make! Usually when I try to re-create a favorite restaurant item it doesn't even come close in flavor, but these haystacks tasted exactly the same as the expensive version in the store! This desserts is truly bliss, especially on a summer day - you have to freeze them so that they retain their shape, so they have a slight chill to them before they melt in your mouth; heaven!

Ingredients:

• carob powder - about 1/4 cup
• shredded unsweetened coconut - about 1 cup
• coconut butter - about 1/2 cup
• maple syrup (*the book calls for agave nectar, but I stopped using that) - about 1/4 cup

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. The book has specific measurements for each ingredient, but I just added them and tasted as I went along. 
2. Form mixture into small ball shapes and place on a plate
3. Put the plate in the freezer for about 30 minutes, then serve. The remaining haystacks can be stored in the freezer - they need to be cold to retain their shape.

Yield: about 8 haystacks (or 16 if you follow the book)

Cost: about $4 ($.50 per haystack; they're about $2 each in the cafe)

Nutrition Facts (approximate, per haystack) *remember, coconut and maple syrup are high in calories and fat:

• Calories: 300 
• Fat: 20 g
• Sodium: 16 mg
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Vitamins: B-6, iron, vitamin c, calcium

I highly recommend that you buy the RAWvolution book. I've been using it for years and I love it because all the recipes are healthy, easy, and have short ingredient lists. I also recommend visiting the cafe when you're in Santa Monica - been meaning to do a video on it for a while...