A note from Launette
Dear readers,
I promise you I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here. It’s just that... what could be better than chocolate for Valentine’s day? With this recipe I was determined to include Sun Potion Bio-Active Honey, which at this time of year, where I live in rural England, feels like exactly the right thing to reach for. This Honey is a rare treat and a wonderful alternative to other sweeteners. The magic of combining honey and cacao is it produces a fudge-like consistency, softer than a tempered chocolate, which melts in the mouth and is so easy to make.
As we are all emerging from our winter cocoons, we want to feel beautiful, and to look after ourselves as we transition into longer, lighter days. Pearl powder is a Shen tonic herb, traditionally valued for helping you feel calm, centered and radiant. I’ve also included Sun Potion’s rice bran solubles, Tocos, to add a creamy and delicious element which just happens to be a lovely source of vitamin E.
In my head, I imagined you taking a few pantry items in a basket to your loved one’s home and whisking this up for them in a bowl (no need for a blender or any fancy equipment) then simply pouring it into a parchment lined tin or dish and patiently waiting for it to set.
Serve with a coffee or as a dessert, make a double batch and wrap some up with a card for your best friend or lover. Home made and edible never fails to please.
Ingredients1/2 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup nut butter (I used almond) 3/4 cup cacao powder 4 tbsp. Sun Potion Bio-Active Honey (or to taste) 1 tbsp. Sun Potion Tocos 2 tsp. Sun Potion Pearl 1/2 tsp. vanilla paste or seeds from half a pod Pinch or two of sea salt Suggestion to add:activated nuts freeze dried fruit dried berries cacao nibs bee pollen |
MethodFill a saucepan with boiling water and place your jar of coconut oil in, to gently melt To a large bowl, add your nut butter, Bio-Active Honey, vanilla and melted coconut oil and whisk to a smooth consistency Next add your cacao powder, Pearl, Tocos and a pinch of salt. Stir through until evenly blended (You may want to do this over a bain-marie to stop it thickening up) Now pour this mixture into a parchment lined tin or dish, using a spatula if necessary to smooth it out Add the additions of your choice — these freeze dried strawberries look great but also add a really delightful crisp texture and a zingy tartness. Activated nuts add a nice texture whilst also making it a more substantial treat Set in the fridge and then cut into morsels and store in an airtight container |
A note from Sun Potion on cacao...
Cacao beans are a rich source of antioxidants. Cacao is also a source of tryptophan, of theobromine — a bitter alkaloid — and of naturally occurring caffeine, which together give cacao its familiar lift and its long history as a ceremonial food. It is traditionally valued for supporting focus and a sense of well-being.
Photos courtesy of Launette
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to temper this chocolate?
No. Honey and cacao set into a soft, fudge-like texture in the fridge, so no tempering or thermometer is needed.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Honey is what gives this its texture. Bio-Active Honey is what Launette uses here; maple syrup will work but will set a little softer.
What do Pearl and Tocos add?
Pearl is a Shen tonic herb traditionally valued in beauty rituals, and Tocos brings a creamy note and vitamin E.
Click here to discover a workshop held by Launette on The Alchemy of Herbs and Cacao!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
