Coconut oil benefits: Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. Saturated fats not only increase the healthy cholesterol (known as HDL) in your body but also help to convert the LDL “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterols. WebMD.com
Benefits of carob powder: Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels. Carob naturally contains polyphenols, which help with blood cholesterol levels in a way similar to dietary fiber. Contains natural antioxidants. Rich in Calcium and has a good source of selenium, an essential trace mineral important for cognitive function and a healthy immune system. WebMD.com
The most important thing is, “Don’t get bored, and have fun!”
Ingredients:
- Unsweetened carob powder
- Cold-pressed, unrefined, organic coconut oil
- Ratio 1:1 (equal parts)
Steps:
There are two ways to make this brain bark:
- Use external heat to liquefy coconut oil
- Measure oil into saucepan and heat on low (do not over-heat)
- Measure out carob powder in a bowel
- Combine oil and carob
- [add any extras]
- Pour into ungreased baking sheet
- Let stand in the freezer for 10-20 minutes
- Break into bark and store in glass in the refrigerator for up to a month!
- Use a fork to mash up oil and powder and form into rounds
- Measure equal parts oil and carob into a mixing bowl
- Mash with a fork until all lumps of oil are softened
- Form into balls
- [add ins]
- Let stand in the freezer for 10-20 minutes
- Store in glass in the refrigerator for up to a month!
Extras:
- Chipped nuts or seeds: Cashews, Almonds, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds
- Dried fruit: Dates, Figs, Gogi Berries, Raisins, Apricots, Coconut flakes
- Spices: Cinnamon, Cardamon, Vanilla bean
- Health Nut Options (but these WILL change the taste!): Spirulina, Turmeric, Bee Pollen, green powder
Tips:
- Carob is naturally sweeter than cocoa so if you do choose to use raw cocoa just know that it will not be sweet.
- Coconut oil becomes liquid at 76 degrees so don’t take these to a party and leave them out! They will become mush.