Raw Chocolate Energy Slice

Here is a super easy recipe that contains many good nutrients for a healthy brain - something I have been focusing on this week in light of Mental Health Week. Raw cacao is one of the richest dietary sources of magnesium - an essential nutrient for nerve tissue that helps in relaxing anxiety, works in synergy with calcium for neural messaging, acts as a precursor for important neurotransmitters and eases headaches and muscular pains. Cacao is also extremely high in flavanols, a group of phytonutrients that reduce oxidative stress in our bodies  (something that our brains need to manage on a daily basis). On top of that, Brazil nuts, pepitas and almonds are all rich sources of selenium, zinc and calcium and healthy fats, which are all essential for optimal brain function. Not to mention the delicious taste of this slice, an instant mood booster!

     This slice is a winner for morning or afternoon tea and as a lunchbox snack. It was created out of bits and bobs from my pantry - so if you are missing any ingredients from the dry mix, try experimenting with others. Cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, goji berries and dried blueberries all work well! You can also try roasting the nuts/seeds for a more complex and intense flavour. I also sometimes like to reduce the amount of dates and increase the amount of nuts to make it less sweet. To make it school-friendly, omit the nuts and replace with 60g sunflower seeds, 10g more pepitas and 10g more shredded coconut.

         Ingredients:

• 145g dates, pitted
• 90g nuts (I like almonds, hazelnuts + brazil nuts)
• 40g pepitas
• 40g currants
• 40g cranberries
• 30g shredded coconut
• 60g cacao
• 60g melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons rice malt syrup (~50g) 

    Method:  

1. Place dates and nuts in a blender and blend until roughly chopped.
2. Add pepitas, currants and cranberries and blitz lightly. Add coconut.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk cacao, melted coconut oil and rice malt syrup together until well combined.
4. Add fruit and nut mix to melted chocolate and mix together thoroughly.
5. Press firmly into a lined dish and refrigerate for at least half an hour.
6. Cut into desired pieces and enjoy!
7. Left overs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, with layers separated by baking paper.