Did you know, cacao is not only delicious, it’s choc-full of health benefits too? Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants, high in magnesium (which is great for muscle and nerve function) and may even help calm some skin disorders.

Chocolate bark

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cacao butter buttons or sliced cacao chunks (you will need a sharp knife).
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (I find maple works best)
• 1/2 cup cacao powder
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
• Slivered almonds, freeze-dried fruit, nuts or seeds as a topping (get creative here!)

Method:

1. Melt cacao in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Add maple syrup or honey to melted cacao and stir.
3. Take the bowl off the heat and mix in cacao powder and vanilla.
4. Lay baking paper in a baking tray and pour your chocolate mixture in a thin layer.
5. Sprinkle on your topping of choice then refrigerate or freeze until set hard.
6. Break your bark into pieces and enjoy.

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