Superfood Cinnamon Bark Treat

It’s at this time of year when all of your year long efforts to avoid the bad stuff (i.e. sugar) are in danger of crumbling. As the Christmas parties are in full swing and the family get togethers start coming thick and fast, it becomes harder and harder to resist those fancy little xmas treats, even the most staunch Paleo/sugar-avoiding/highly will-powered/health conscious person is likely to cave at some point during the festive season.

I’m not saying it’s the worst thing in the world to succumb to a bit of Xmas cheer, but if you’re anything like me, a little is likely to cause a bit of a snowball effect and before I know it I’ll be sneaking into the cupboard to polish off that left over block of Dark Ghana Chocolate at every opportunity!

So to preempt that madness this year, I’ve made a deliciously sustaining and nutritious Superfood Cinnamon Bark. It’s full of so much good stuff, you’ll ward off the craving for the bad stuff but still feel like you’ve had your fill of treats. Plus it looks pretty and Xmassy

Every ingredient has a double purpose first to taste great, second, an intense health benefit. Here’s the breakdown;

• Cacao Butter– Saturated fats (not the enemy) keep you satisfied and help prevent overeating
• Coconut butter/oil- Also a saturated fat, boots energy and is great for the skin
• Honey- Will quell the sweet cravings along with supplying minerals and enzymes
• Cinnamon- So Yummy and  increases insulin sensitivity
• Brazil Nuts- A highly nutritious nut especially good for Selenium and Zinc
• Tart Cherries- Among other things is said to aid in weight management
• Sacha Inchi– Protein, Antioxidants, Omega-3, 6, 9
• Cacao nibs– High levels of Antioxidants, packed full of minerals

To make this decadent treat, Melt all the following in a double boiler until thoroughly combined.

• 3/4 c cacao butter
• 3/4 c coconut butter or shredded coconut and coconut oil blended to a paste
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Then mix in any or all of the following

• 1/2 c chopped Brazil nuts
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• 2 tbsp sacha inchi powder
• 1/4 c cacao nibs

Spread the mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper and pop in the freezer until set. Then roughly break up and try not to gobble it up all at once! Actually, the whole point of all these fantastic and highly nutrient dense ingredients, is that you’ll be satisfied and won’t need to over indulge.

That’s a pretty good Christmas hack wouldn’t you say?!!