Chocolate-Macadamia Nut Clusters
In preparing for Easter, I decided to make my own sugar-free candy (healthy treats) this year. The kids usually get a variety of raw nuts and dried fruits hiding inside those little plastic Easter eggs. That Easter bunny is just too darn healthy! Sometimes he leaves jelly beans and a lollipop too. Since chocolate can strongly affect some children, I'd recommend wrapping only one of these chocolate clusters up in a small square of parchment paper, tied up with a pretty ribbon, for your child. I have no doubt that the adults in the house will munch the rest.
We have just returned from Hawaii - our Vitamin D prescription for the winter (if you are following us on Facebook, you'd already know all about our trip!)! Our family enjoyed the sun and all of the fresh produce the islands have to offer. One of our favorite treats is, of course, the macadamia nut. We bought the roasted, salted variety while there but they weren't nearly as tasty as the crisp, raw unsalted type we found. Hence, macadamia nuts inspired many recipes. Don't worry if you aren't a fan of nuts, I have a number of fresh recipes AND an uncooking video to share soon!
We packed food with us like grains, beans, nuts, and seeds but....What is the ONE spice we packed with us? Please leave a comment below. Those that have the correct guess with be entered to win a FREE copy of our cookbook, The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook!
The recipe I am about to share is a new one, in fact, I created it today! I have had the idea whirling around in my mind for a while. You know how ideas are. Sometimes they take their time to come 'round.
Folks, this is a recipe to make YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE! Not melt chocolate. It is very easy, let's get to it! :)
Chocolate-Macadamia Nut Clusters
Here is a recipe to make your own refined sugar-free chocolate. The options are endless. Replace the macadamia nuts with chopped raw almonds or sunflower seeds. Use chopped dried fruit in place of the shredded coconut. Add raw vanilla powder. If you would like to make this recipe without needing to purchase raw cacao butter, simply melt approximately 2 cups of organic dark chocolate chips over very low heat, and then add the remaining ingredients (except cocoa butter and cocoa powder).
Raw Chocolate
Other Ingredients
- Place a piece of parchment paper over a large cookie sheet. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer to chill.
- Place the cocoa butter chunks into a 2-quart saucepan. Heat over low heat until melted. Whisk in cocoa powder. Then add maple syrup, and about 10 to 20 drops of liquid stevia if desired (for a sweeter flavor without added sugars); whisk well.
- Turn off heat and stir in macadamia nuts and shredded coconut. Let mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Then drop by the heaping tablespoonful onto the chilled cookie sheet. Place into the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
- Since this chocolate is not tempered it does slightly melt in your hand.
- Store the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for a month or more.
Use this recipe in our Meal Planner
About the Author
Ali Segersten
Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. She is a Functional Nutritionist, the mother of five children, a whole foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them. Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book. Alissa is the founder and owner of Nourishing Meals®.Nourishing Meals Newsletter
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Comments
Ginger. (SB)
Welcome back Ali! I would have to say cinnamon as well. Thanks for the inspiration to make chocolate from scratch - what fun!
Herbamare!
I can't go any where without it since your blog turned me onto it!
Great picture - I hope you guys enjoyed Hawaii!
Megs
Cumin
-Helen
cinnamon comes to mind first...but maybe tumeric?
My guess is Thyme or Oregano?
Megan Robinson
Cinnamon is what came to mind first. We take it along on trips too.
You took Herbamare?
Bellshroomer
Cinnamon :)
Kara Haney
My guess would be herbamare.....I haven't traveled without it since I started making recipes from your site.
No need to enter me into the drawing (I'm lucky enough to have the cookbook already!), but I just wanted to say that those clusters looks delicious! Growing up my mom used to make something similar but with regular chocolate, cereal, and dried fruit. We called them "bear claws." Now that we're all gluten-free and sugar-free, I'll have to give this recipe a whirl--a new take on bear claws for us!
I am not a light packer. I would have found some way to squeeze in a few more spices! My guess is Herbamare.
I am going to look where to find cocoa butter to make the recipe. I have not been able to find any before.
Tumeric
Welcome home! what a great family picture. I would choose Cinnamon, but then, I am planning for 5 months of "gone". Top on my list to take are cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla extract and almond extract.
I would say herbamere or real salt, dont know if you use real salt but i take it everywhere
andrea smith
Hmmm...I'm guessing either Curry Powder, Herbamare, or Sea Salt :-) Looks like you all had fun in Hawaii, makes me want to go there!
Herbamare.
Stephanie Car
Your recipes are beautiful and look delicious! I am a Bastyr student and we recommend your book to people all of the time! I just need a copy for myself now! Hopefully I'll get lucky with cinnamon as my guess!
Salt? Love you pic! :)
Jody
Cinnamon was the first one to come to my mind because I put it on everything =)
You guys are beautiful! XOXO
Ginger? (RD)
Cinnamon for sure!
I would guess Herbamare. I found out about it on your website and have been using it like crazy, thanks for the recommendation!! (Julie Rauhut)
Herbamare?
Cinnamon as well
I'd guess cumin, only because it's one of those spices that seems to turn up in a lot of your recipes consistently.
I was really happy to find the coco nests at Affairs of Living, and these chocolate-macadamia nut clusters look divine too. It's really good to build up a repertoire of healthy ideas for those Easter baskets!
My gut feeling is to not give a 2.5 year old chocolate of any kind yet, but I can't seem to find a good guide on when younger kids can handle small amounts of chocolate.
I love the picture of your family!
cinnamon....wouldn't leave without it...
If sea salt is considered a spice, then that would be my first guess. If not, I would definitely say cinnamon.
I'd guess cinnamon as well. (Lisa S.)
I will also guess cinnamon. That's the one spice I take with me on my travels. I have already purchased your cookbook and am enjoying making the recipes. I hope to win one to share with my boyfriend! :) LAM
black pepper?
cinnamon sounded good, but with all the fresh produce I'm going to be different and say: chile powder (tastes yummy sprinkled on fruit).
Sea salt- would that be considered a spice? :)
I can only imagine the mess it would make if it spilled in the suitcase, but I'll go out on a limb and say turmeric.
Ginger :o)
Is Garlic considered a spice? If so that is my guess due to its medicinal quality. If not, can I guess again b/c I would love a copy of your book.
love your new recipe...my mind has been swirling around trying to figure out what to put in those eggs. Thanks for this idea.
My guess is ginger.
I was going to say cinnamon too lol
Aww...that picture is so cute! You must have had such a wonderful vacation!
i would have to guess cinnamon too?
cumin? (Raelene C)
cinnamon?