Bite Back the Chill with Coconut Cashew Bites

Darting in and out of the trees, passing by fishermen in tall boots and green trousers standing out in the river to the right, we ran; climbing over fallen trees and pressing onward up big hills while our feet pressed into small footholds, with the sound of the river's current splashing up against rocks, we ran. Reaching a fallen Douglas fir with a view of the river bed and it's swimmers and feeders, we stopped almost as if the twists and turns previous were lost on us, and the only thing that stopped us from pressing onward were the oversized tracks in the dirt and our own gut feeling. So there, with a view over top seagulls diving into dinner, their shrilling calls louder than my own footfalls and the white of their wings darting back and forth across the rocks, as well as salmon fighting the last push of the current in tattered shape but excellent form for skimming the water and breaking the waves to leap above rocks, we stopped and stretched after running for a while.

I thought at that moment of sinking in to a moment by myself, with only the sounds of each evenings scurry for dinner down at the river, and as I pressed deeper into a stretch, I was almost unaware of my heavy breathing and the half of the run just behind me. 

Although we've been busy every day with my uncle visiting this week, starting from a big breakfast to explore and enjoy the spots of sun that are quickly chased by large clouds of fog, I've had little time to be out running. But this afternoon, after a sunny day by the ocean (because when aren't we near it here!) with farms by the side of the road and alligator soup for lunch, I finally made a break for the orange-tinted tree-lined pathways that sidle up close to the river and wind their way through fields and rocky hills. We've also been lucky with each day out and have only spent one day completely blanketed by fog - a day spent in what is commonly known as "the dark side" of Sooke - and have otherwise enjoyed t-shirts while we tanned on the rocks by Sooke River, a complete sunset overlooking Sooke's Inner Harbour as we sat on a waterfront bench on the Galloping Goose Trail, and today, had lunch in Brentwood Bay on the docks where we sat outside with a clear view into the water filled with sea stars and crabs and even felt the sun's heat with each layer of clothes. I knew the first time when mum and I curled up beside hot coffees and curry gumbo with warm cornbread, looking out from large windows, that we would be back. And so, nearly a month later, we surprised ourselves by sitting out on the large patio above the bay, and peeled back layer after layer under the sun, and squinted for photos being taken in the light.

And so when many people are tucked away under a thick blanket of fog, we're out enjoying the sun and colours of the leaves amidst driving through winding roads and stopping in tea shops for coffee when the thud of the big door behind us leaves us in a room partially historic and somewhat diner-style.

So much exploring also turns up new places where I could sit for hours with a pot of tea, as long as this delicious sunshine that we've had keeps on shining. It would be all that I'd need. 

And maybe a cookie. I like those.

I love combing nuts and fruits, maybe a little sweetener to taste, and even a touch of spice as well, to toss together, mixing and mixing, only to be surprised by the new flavours developing with each new addition, and seeing what is created. I love mixing ingredients to form a delicious treat. Most of all, I love the simple pleasure that comes from creating a dish new to us, but one that lasts so much longer in taste and in memory.

These little cashew bites are like that, a simple method to making delicious cookies, without crazy ingredients, or even the process of baking. So with a warm cup of tea, maybe under a blanket of fog as this week's weather rolls in, a simple cashew bite is just the sweet treat to prepare for October.

Coconut Cashew Bites

{print recipe here}

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

makes 8 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews (preferably soaked overnight)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp raw honey (use maple syrup for vegan)

 Directions:

Soak cashews overnight. If using almonds or another type of nut, they don't need to be soaked for this recipe.

In a food processor, blend cashews until they're finely ground. Add coconut and chia seeds, and pulse 2 or 3 times before adding honey, processing again until completely smooth and the mixture begins to fall together from the edges. It should be fairly sticky and able to mold into the bites.

Using your hands, form the mixture into 8 small bite sized balls or cookie shapes, laying evenly out on a plate or parchment lined board. Place in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes to set.

If desired, you can press chocolate shavings, shredded coconut, or chopped fruit on each coconut bite to decorate.

Variations!

Any type of nut can be used in this recipe, however cashews have a much creamier consistancy so I recommend using at least half cashews, or macadamia nuts which are similar, and half another type of nut (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts).

The chia seeds can also be opted out for hemp seeds, flax (ground or whole), or completely removed if preferred. 

Dried fruit is also another favourite of mine to add, as not only does it add flavour and a different consistency, but a little bit of natural sweetness. By favourites are dried apricots, cranberries or dates, which can be blended right in with the nuts in the food processor! I'm usually careful to choose one additional ingredient though, however only for the appearance as too many colours look hectic and somewhat less unappetizing. 

Another favourite of mine is adding a bit of chocolate, and when its melted will also help to forming these little bites. (You can also reduce the amount of honey needed).

Finally, a little sugar and spice always goes far, so try adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, and even some freshly ground ginger or cardamom and cloves to make them chai spiced! 

Enjoy! xx S

The Temptation of Chocolate Dessert

I am sorry. I know it's late this Sunday afternoon. And you're most likely busy, getting ready for the upcoming week, focusing on important tasks, or things that need to be done around the house. And here I am, posting a delicious Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Cake recipe to steal away your attention. So, I will warn you now, if you've got more pressing things, people tugging at your sleeve to get jobs done, and if I were you, save yourself from the temptation and stop reading right now. I know, I should be pleading you to read on, but I promise that you'll want to drop everything and start cooking when you see this recipe. So stop reading now, I mean it. Don't be swamped by the temptation and the promise of delicious, creamy, chocolatey, dessert. And before I tell you how amazing this is. And how it's gluten free. And that it can be made to be raw as well. And how little active cooking time it needs. Did I mention the flavour?

Okay, sorry. You've got things to do.

Chocolate is more than a craving for me, it's a lifestyle choice. And that's why I'm always sure to incorporate chocolate into my life - I even have a board on Pinterest dedicated to chocolate, you can bet it's one of the largest - and I make sure the craving doesn't go un-indulged with gluten free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Clusters, and Brownie Bliss Bars.

It also doesn't help that Valentines Day gave us another excuse to have chocolate lying around. Mum and dad exchanged identical Toblerone bars, and I received small packs of little gluten free (and organic!) chocolate. Of course, I had to share. I decided upon something a little different that our usual Chocolate Lava Cake for our Valentine's dinner, and after searching up different recipes and reading reviews, I decided upon the chocolate flavour with the creaminess similar to a cheesecake - perfect, but undoubtedly, very rich.

As I come home from our grad Semi Formal in the pouring sunshine, a little too bright for tired eyes, and making me sneeze awkwardly, I can't think of the usual Saturday and Sunday cook-off in my kitchen without a glass of chocolate almond milk to keep me going. It seems to be my pick-me-up drink, the coconut water to my own tired self.

We must have been out quite late after leaving the Aquarium and all the fish in their tanks behind us. Including Nemo and his friends, and the massive turtle that swam with the sharks. Including the grandpa shark. In toppling heels my friend and first trekked through the grass field to the bus stop before hitting Granville street in search of late night sushi, instead finding two of our friends who had just found pizza, and no sushi restaurants which we were willing to walk to. So, with no luck to satisfy our craving, we settled on hot chocolate - surprised? No.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
View printable version.

I served this at my family's Valentine's dinner, a sweet, rich, and creamy dessert made from all natural ingredients that was enjoyed thoroughly. I made the dessert pots quite large, so none of us were actually able to finish them, so they were stored in the fridge for a later date. I've altered the servings so that it serves 6 rather than 3, because the richness of cashews and chocolate causes this dessert to be better enjoyed in small portions.

Makes 6 individual mini cakes

Ingredients

Crust

1/2 cup hazelnut meal (Made by blending hazelnuts until finely ground)
3 bsp raw cocoa powder
1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup (or 1 tbsp agave nectar)
1 pinch sea salt

Filling

1 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for 4 - 6 hours and rinsed
3 tbsp raw hazelnut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup (or 3 tbsp agave nectar)
1/4 cup raw cocoa powder
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp salt

Chocolate Sauce

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup (or 1 1/2 tbsp agave nectar)
2 tbsp raw cocoa powder

Directions

If making (1) 9” cake, use a springform pan. For individual cakes, a muffin tin works great.
For the crust, blend all the ingredients together in a food processor until it is well combined and sticks together when pressed between fingers. Press the crust into the bottom of desired pan, about 1/4 inch thick.

Set aside while you making the filling.

In a food processor or powerful blender mix together cashews, maple syrup, water, and salt. Mix until totally smooth, scraping down the sides of the processor as necessary. Add cocoa powder, hazelnut butter and coconut oil to cashew mixture and blend all together, scraping down again, until mixture is uniformly combine.

*If you cant find raw hazelnut butter, you can make your own by blending raw hazelnuts in a food processor until smooth and buttery, scraping down the sides often. Chockohlawtay has a good hazelnut butter tutorial.

Spoon filling on top of the crust. Place cheesecake in the freezer until solid all the way through (at least 2 hours for individual cheesecakes, 4 for large cheesecake).

Once frozen remove cheesecake from the pan. If using silicone mold, they will easily pop out. If you have a muffin tin, run a sharp, hot knife around the edges of each cheesecake. Using knife as a lever, push down from the bottom. The cheesecakes should pop out.

Place cake in the refrigerator while making the chocolate sauce.

Mix ingredients together with fork. Scoop a little onto cold cheesecake. Place back in fridge and let sauce harden.

Top with chopped hazelnuts. Serve cold.

Enjoy! xx S