The Educated Eater Canada

By: Meredith Deasley, RHN – Aurora, ON

Carob is a great substitute for cocoa if you are looking to reduce your chocolate consumption. It is similar in taste and appearance to cocoa, yet is caffeine-free.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups  maple syrup or fruit concentrate
• 1 cup  sesame tahini or nut butter (or use ½ cup of each)
• 1 ¼ cups  carob powder
• 1 cup  sesame seeds or shredded coconut
• 8-14 drops  peppermint extract
• 2 TBSP  arrowroot powder
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Heat the nut butter and maple syup on low to medium heat until hot and soft.
2. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Press the mixture into a lightly oiled 9 or 10 inch glass pie plate or similar pan.
4. Press extra sesame seeds or coconut on top.
5. Chill thoroughly in fridge.
6. Cut and serve.