bars - Chocolate Almond Caramel Slice

By tinathorn

Ingredients

• Base:
• 2-1/2 cups (100 g) Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
• 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened dried coconut (either fine or medium shred works)
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) virgin coconut oil, preferably organic
• 2/3 cup (100 g) coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened coconut beverage (in a carton)
• 20-30 drops plain or vanilla pure stevia liquid, or to taste
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 7-3/4 ounces (220 g) good quality unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• Caramel Topping:
• 6 tablespoons (60 g) coconut sugar
• 20-30 drops plain or vanilla pure stevia liquid, or to taste
• 1-1/2 tablespoons (22.5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsweetened coconut beverage (in a carton)
• Pinch fine sea salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) smooth natural almond butter

Details

Adapted from attunefoods.com

Preparation

Step 1

Make the base: Line an 8×8 inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment and set aside. In a large bowl, toss together the cereal and coconut.

In a small, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the coconut oil, coconut sugar, coconut beverage, stevia and salt. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the mixture begins to bubble around the edges and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate. Allow to sit for 30 seconds, then stir again, until all the chocolate is melted. Pour over the cereal mixture and stir until all the cereal and coconut are well coated. Using the back of a spoon, pack the mixture evenly into the pan. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the caramel.

Make the topping: In a small, heavy bottomed pot, combine the coconut sugar, stevia, vanilla, coconut beverage and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble around the sides. Continue cooking until the bubbles start to foam up and move across the entire surface of the mixture, then immediately remove from heat and stir in the almond butter. It will appear separated at first, but as you continue to stir, it will combine to form a thick caramel.

Spread the caramel evenly over the chocolate base and sprinkle the top with extra coconut, if desired. Return to the refrigerator until firm, 2-4 hours. Cut into squares. May be served cold or at room temperature. Store, covered, in the refrigerator up to one week.