Chocolate Layered Ojas Bars
Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind: 100 Simple Sattvic Recipes
This cookbook by Kate O’Donnell, photographed by Cara Brostrom, has some incredible recipes for us Kuel Women. Kate showcases recipes that help us eat so that we may increase our energy, balance emotions, and generate an overall state of calm and relaxation.
In Ayurvedic medicine there are said to be three main energies that affect our mind:
- sattva, the state of contentment and calm;
- rajas, the state of reactivity and excitability; and
- tamas, the dull, slow, and stagnant state of mind.
“Ojas, is one of the three vital essences that together promote and sustain our physical vitality, mental clarity, and overall health.” Ojas promotes wellness; it is a primary player in increasing energy, maintaining long-term health, and stabilizing the mind. Dates, pecans, almonds, and coconut are all known to support ojas. If you are looking for a way to replenish your energy supply and enjoy a tasty treat try these bars.
Ingredients:
Base Layer
4 Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup raw pecans
½ cup raw almonds
2 Tbsp coconut oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
Chocolate Layer
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup cacao powder
3 Tbsp maple syrup
Optional Toppings
2 Tbsp toasted coconut flakes
2 Tbsp chopped dried cranberries
2 Tbsp sliced almonds
Line the bottom of a 4 × 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, pulse together the dates, pecans, almonds, 2 Tbsp coconut oil, salt, and Sweet Spice Mix until the mixture begins to stick together and form a ball. Press the date-nut mixture into the bottom of the pan.
Next, prepare the chocolate layer. Melt the coconut oil by standing the jar in hot water. In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup coconut oil, cacao, and maple syrup until smooth.
Working quickly, pour the chocolate coconut mixture over the base layer, tilting the pan from side to side so the chocolate is an even covering. Sprinkle with the topping of your choice (coconut flakes, dried cranberries, or slivered almonds). Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until very firm.
Remove the loaf and parchment from the pan, and using a sharp knife on a cutting board, cut the frozen treat into small squares. Refrigerate the squares between layers of parchment papers in a sealed container for up to 14 days.
You can purchase Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind: 100 Simple Sattvic Recipes on Amazon directly if you are interested in many more wonderful recipes. And, check out Kate’s Spicy Turmeric Lemonade or No Donut-Holes for additional Sattvic Recipes.
