Monday, August 18, 2008

Cocoa Nibbles


As soon as I saw these cocoa nibbles that the wonderfully talented Ricki (of Diet, Dessert and Dogs) posted, I knew I had to make them. And make them I did, a few days later - which is rare for me since I have a humongous (and insanely growing) list of recipes I've saved from food blogs to make one day. I guess I should explain what they are eh? Well they're designed after the Lara bars, so imagine a really moist perfectly chocolatey little treat (that you don't have to feel guilty about).

These cocoa nibbles were just as good as I'd hoped and while they did really test the power of my little food processor, they were easy to make. Not only are they a healthy snack, but they can really satisfy a chocolate craving (with the use of cocoa powder alone!) I was so very impressed by these and will make them again and again. Unfortunately I put this batch in a container that stank like onion so I only got to enjoy a few.

Other healthy snacks:
No Fail Granola
Mini Pear Loaves
Applesauce Oat Bran Muffins
Pumpkin Pecan Raisin Muffin

Cocoa Nibbles
Adapted from Ricki at Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Ricki suggests adding mint, chili powder, lemon or cinnamon but this is the version I tried and fell in love with.

1/2 cup (80 g) raw almonds
1 1/4 cups (about 150 g) unsweetened dried dates, chopped
2 tbsp (20 g) cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla

In a food processor, process the almonds, dates, and cocoa until you have what looks like a fine meal. Sprinkle with vanilla and continue to process until the mixture comes together as a ball that rolls around the edge of the processor bowl (this may take a while–up to 5 minutes or so; occasionally stop and scrape sides of processor to push the mixture toward the blades).

The “dough” is ready when, if you pinch some and press it between your fingers, it sticks together readily and looks a bit shiny. (If this isn't happening, add a couple of teaspoons of water.) The mixture should NOT be as soft as a cookie dough, but more like clay.

Place a clean piece of plastic wrap on the counter and turn the mixture onto it. Using your hands, form the mixture into a log about 8 inches long. Try to compress the mixture as much as possible so you have a very dense log. Wrap with the plastic and roll the log one or two times, compressing it with your hands, to squeeze out any air spaces.

Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Take the dough from the fridge and slice it into little medallions about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

23 comments:

Amy said...

Oh no! So sad that you ruined them with onion smell/taste. I HATE when I do that!

They look and sound really yummy, I wish I could eat dates (I'll just drool over yours :D)

VeganCowGirl said...

Weeeee!!!!!!!!! I am so out the door and buying what I need to make these - they look fantastic. Thanks to you and ricki!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Oooh, yum!! And yes, Ricki's recipes are brilliant.

Glad you enjoyed them, despite the onion smell, haha ;0)

Anonymous said...

Those are perfect Larabar look-alikes! Too bad about the onion smell... That happens to me all the time, too. Maybe if you incorporated these pieces into a new, bigger batch, you could cover it up?

Patricia Scarpin said...

What a wonderful idea! And they look so delicious...

Sarah said...

Wow. Can I try one of these? They look awesome, & such a great idea. I'll have to try soon. Yum!

Lisa Turner said...

I've made these a few times, and included some prunes and hot pepper flakes. A top notch recipe indeed!

Deborah said...

What a great, healthy way to get that chocolate dose!!

Beth (jamandcream) said...

What more can I say other than yummy! I have to try these!

Maria said...

A delicious and healthy snack...I wish I had a nibble now! I need a pick me up:)

Anonymous said...

Those cocoa nibbles never looked so good! I'm so glad you liked them--at least, the first few (and how awful about the onion!). That bowl is gorgeous, too, as is the photo.

Thanks so much for trying out the recipe! Hope you get to enjoy ALL of the next batch ;)

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Never heard of cocoa nibbles but they look really good.

grace said...

ah, the perils of reusing plastic containers. :(
these are neat little cookie-type things, suitable for dessert or a snack...or both! :)

Usha said...

What a wonderful way to satisfy my candy craving,love this.....looks delicious :)

kickpleat said...

i've been seeing larabar like recipes for ages, and all of them require a food processor which i don't have. bummer. i so want to make these!!

Destiny's Kitchen said...

Cool! Ricki's blog is amazing & so is yours. It's like two super-bloggers have combined forces in order to feed those in need of tastyness!

Anonymous said...

These look great! They look like the perfect chocolate snack. Hopefully you'll get to enjoy more of them next time!

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

I saw something similar on Lisa's kitchen and bought the ingredients to make some for my friend who is on a raw diet. Unfortunately, I have found out the cocoa powder is no good, as it is processed. I will have to think of how to adjust the recipe. Your bars look great!

Rachel Ducker said...

Wow these look really cute! I love all the ingredients in them too!

Yum yum

Duckey x

eatme_delicious said...

Vegetation: Yea but at least I got to try a few so I know that they taste awesome. =) Aw I wish you could eat dates too!

VeganCowGirl: Haha I'm sure you'll love them!

VeggieGirl: Yes they are. =)

Hannah: Hm yea I didn't think of that though I think it might've been kind of hard because they're so formed together? Ah well I will try that next time (hopefully there isn't a next time though!)

Patricia: Thanks. =)

Sarah: Hope you like them!

Lisa: Yea I saw them on your blog! They looked yummy. =)

Deborah: Indeed!

Beth: Yes you do!

Maria: Yea they're a great little snack.

Ricki: Aw thank you. =) Yes I will make sure the next batch goes in perhaps a glass container!

Helene: They are very yummy!

Grace: Mmm yes both a great snack and dessert.

Usha: Thanks!

kickpleat: Aw yea it would be really hard to make them without a food processor.

Destiny's Vegan Kitchen: Aw thank you!

Erin: Thanks! Yes I'm sure I will.

Holler: Oh no! I'll be curious to see how you adjust the recipe.

Kevin: Thanks!

Rachel: Thanks!

Snooky doodle said...

this looks very easy . I just made something like that but substituting hazelnuts for almonds and adding cinnamon . It s good too :-)

janet said...

Gah, I keep loving the recipes on your blog, Ashley! These were delicious!

Wrote about it here: http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/cocoa-mint-nibbles/

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