My Gran is famous for her biscuits and slices and her morning tea and afternoon tea is legendary. Homemade biscuits, sponges and slices are served on beautiful platters, some of the pottery she made herself embellished with pottery gum nuts and gum leaves. Her Monte Carlos have homemade jam from homegrown raspberries oozing out delicately between the perfectly browned biscuits. Morning tea is not just a snack, it’s a delightful regal experience.
This Coconut Chocolate Rough Slice is my own version of Gran’s. This recipe is gluten free, dairy free and vegan friendly and would make a lovely gift for family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the base:
1/2 cup dates
1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
1 cup almonds (can use almond meal if you don’t have a powerful food processor)
1/2 cup of maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons raw cocoa powder
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Topping:
1/2 cup melted coconut oil (my cup wasn’t completely full)
2 tablespoons raw cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of maple syrup (add more for a sweetness if needed)
Method:
Place dates and almonds in a food processor and pulse until the almonds are a meal consistency. Then add the remainder of your base ingredients and pulse until it’s well combined. Press into a small slice tin. Place in the fridge while you prepare topping.
If you don’t have a powerful food processor chop up the dates as finely as you can and combine with 1 cup of almond meal. Add desiccated coconut, vanilla extract and raw cocoa powder. Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan and combine with other ingredients. Mix well and then press into the slice tin with your hands or the back of a spoon. Place in the fridge
For the topping melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan. Once melted set to the side to cool for a few minutes before adding the cocoa powder and maple syrup. Pour evenly over the base and then leave in the fridge. Just before the top hardens completely sprinkle with desiccated coconut. Once the top has hardened the slice can be cut into small squares.
Remember that while this is a healthy alternative it should still be enjoyed in moderation as hard as that may be.