Strawberry Slice

 

Recipe developed by Marianne Harold

This is a spring/summer treat which is all about strawberries and white chocolate.  Almost raw, paleo friendly, sugar and gluten free it is quite delicious.

 

Ingredients:

Base:

1 cup of pecans or almonds (or if you prefer 1/2 cup of nuts and a cup of your favourite protein powder)

1/2 cup of almond butter

1/4 cup of shredded coconut

6 dates, pitted and chopped

10 medium sized strawberries, sliced thickly

water to help bind the base if needed

Topping:

1/2 to 2/3rds of a cup of creamed coconut (Nuilife or Loving Earth brands recommended)

*Please note this is different from coconut cream.  Also note – if you purchase Nuilife, this product separates in the jar.  In this case you may not need to use extra coconut oil or start with the cream/coconut mix from the jar and add further coconut oil if needed.

2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil (see note above)

1 heaped teaspoon of vanilla powder or a teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 tablespoon of rice malt syrup or coconut nectar (optional)

 

Method:

Base:

Line a small slice tray with baking paper.

Process the nuts and coconut until crumbly, and then blend in the nut butter

Add dates slowly and process until well blended – you can test consistency by pinching the mixture between your fingers.  If the mixture doesn’t hold together well add some water, a teaspoon at a time until you get the right consistency.

Press base mixture into the tin and pop the tin into the freezer while preparing the topping.

 

Topping:

Place the coconut cream and coconut oil in a stainless steel bowl over a saucepan containing a small amount of water (double boiler method) .

Put it on the stove on a low heat and stir while the mixture melts.

When the mixture has melted add the vanilla essence and rice syrup or coconut nectar and whisk well so that it blends completely.

Adjust the sweetness to taste.  (The coconut cream combined with the strawberries has its own natural sweetness and I don’t always add the syrup or nectar).

 

Take the base from the freezer and pour the topping over the top.

Lay out the strawberry slices on top of the cream topping.

Place slice in the fridge for up two hours to set before cutting into squares and eating.

 

Enjoy!