Almond Joy Cups

With only three days until Valentine's days I thought I would give you another homemade chocolate treat recipe.  This time I gave a makeover to one of my favorite candy bars, Almond Joys. With only 5 ingredients that you can actually identify and less than 10 minutes of preparation time, you've got yourself a healthy homemade candy bar.  

This year, instead of purchasing a box of chocolates for your Valentine, impress them with these homemade Almond Joy Cups! Homemade sweets are just that much sweeter, I promise! 

Almond Joy Cups
Makes: 24, Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup almond butter
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup coconut flakes
• ⅓ cup roasted almonds (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil, honey and almond butter.
2. Microwave ingredients for 30 seconds and stir.
3. Add in cocoa powder and coconut flakes and mix until well combined.
4. Divide mixture into 24 mini muffin tins and top each with a roasted almond. 
5. Freeze for 30 minutes, use a knife to pop out of muffin tin then store in an airtight container in the freezer.

adapted from Lean Green Beans Freezer Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

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Mason Jar Peanut Butter Brownie Sundaes

      February is here and I have been getting creative in the kitchen with another favorite food of mine, chocolate!  Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains heart healthy anti-oxidants called flavonals. Studies have shown that these flavonals can help relax blood vessels lowering blood pressure and may help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels). The higher the amount of Cocoa the more antioxidants.  I recommend 70% Cocoa. Higher is good but if you are a super taster like me, it can be quite bitter.

     This week I am sharing my Mason Jar Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae recipe. Oh man, my mouth is watering already! These perfectly portioned desserts are a great way to treat yourself or flatter your Valentine.  My hubby has already given this recipe two thumbs up!

   Stay tuned, I have another chocolate inspired recipe coming next week!

Mason Jar Peanut Butter Brownie Sundaes

Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar (can substitute regular sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten free all purpose flour)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 1/2 teaspoons peanut butter
• oil spray

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9, 4 ounce Mason jars with vegetable oil spray. Place Mason jars on rimmed cookie sheet. (Note: Muffin tin can be used in place of Mason jars.) 

2. In a medium size bowl, mix together oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs.

3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, salt, and baking powder.

4. Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

5. To each Mason jar add about 2 tablespoons of brownie mix, then add ½ teaspoon peanut butter then layer with another 2 tablespoons of brownie mix.

6. Bake for 25- 30 minutes. Remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes. If storing, place lids back on Mason jar and place in fridge.
7. Serve with fresh berries and frozen yogurt!

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