Coconut Chocolates

There are a few dairy free chocolate bars on the market. Hint: look for foods that say parve. But homemade is always better! So here is repost from my other blog.

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There's only  one thing I like more than chocolate and that's chocolate that's almost healthy!

A friend of mine made me some chocolates with coconut oil, cocoa and maple syrup. I was sold! The super dark chocolate. The way they melted in my mouth. I was beyond addicted. So naturally I wanted to make them myself.

My first several attempts were total flops. But good chocolate is worth fighting for so I finally perfected my method and have come up with a recipe ready to be shared and loved!


Coconut Chocolates

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Grade B Maple Syrup
  
  Heat oil and syrup on medium low until oil is melted. Remove from heat and add cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth. Put 2 tsp in mini muffin papers or candy liners. Set in the refrigerator or freezer until set. Devour.
  
  Helpful hints:
• Low and slow is key. Don't rush the process!
• The oil and syrup must be the same temperature when you mix them if you decide not to heat them together. I have ruined so many of these by dumping cold syrup in the warm oil. This results in a harder, less smooth and melty chocolate. They still taste good but do not have the irresistable texture I love so much. 
• I have used Hershey's cocoa powder and Trader Joe's. Hershey's seems to been smoother but I know some have concerns with it not being Fair Trade. I am unsure of the status of TJ's but the cocoa is a little bit grainier.
• I have added essential oils to these. Adding peppermint makes them taste just like Andes mints. Yum! Orange oil is also good if you like that flavor combination(Please note that I use Young Living essential oils. I feel these are safe for consumption. Not all essential oils are created equal and should not be ingested.) 
• Because of the coconut oils low melting point these should be kept chilled at all times.