Hand made with Love

I've started making some home made goodies for presents.. I tried these out yesterday from Louise Fulton Keys book Something For Everyone... they are super easy and I've tweaked the recipe a little to give it a Christmas feel ... Nothing is nicer than a handmade present, don't you think? They are free from refined sugars and great for anyone who is avoiding gluten. I've used raw cacao nibs, which give a denser more rich chocolate flavour. But you could use raw cacao powder if you prefer. If you don't have a Thermomix.. Just process in a high-powered food processor until the mixture comes together. They keep well in the freezer too so make a big batch and keep a jar for yourself - hope you enjoy them!

RAW CHOCOLATE BISCUITS

110g raw cashew nuts

110g macadamia or walnut

30g sesame seeds

230g fresh dates, pitted

1 1/2 tbsp raw cacao or 25g cacao nibs

1tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 170oC. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

Place all the ingredients into the mixing bowl and blend for 30-60 seconds/speed 9, or until the nuts are finely chopped and the mixture is well combined and smooth. Combine again if the mixture is not sticking together easily. It should hold it's shape when you squeeze into a ball.

Take one teaspoon of mixture, roll into a ball and then place onto the baking sheet. Use the back of a fork to squash and flatten. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly coloured and a little crispy around the outside but soft and fudgy on the inside. All to cool on a baking sheet before packing into containers.