Pecan, Toffee and Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars

(from Aldi Dessert recipes)   Makes: 8 large pieces

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecan nuts, split into quarter cup and 3 quarter cups
  • ¾ cup salted butter, melted & cooled (or add extra salt if using unsalted)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 2 tsp BP
    1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup white chocolate melts, melted
  • ⅓ cup dark chocolate melts
    1. Preheat the oven to 160°C FF. Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin.
    2. Roughly chop pecans, set aside. Place sugar, flour, oats & BP into large mixing bowl. Stir,  mix in the melted butter and beaten eggs with wooden spoon.
    3. Fold in melted white chocolate and ¾ cup chopped pecans and stir to evenly combine.
    4. Pour into prepared tin, sprinkle with remaining pecans. Bake 30 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from oven and leave to cool slightly for 10 minutes.
    5. Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate. Transfer slice to a cooling rack and spoon over the melted dark chocolate. Allow to cool then cut into 8 pieces.

    Note: You can drizzle the chocolate across the top of the slice with a spoon – in a lined pattern or simply pour the chocolate over the top and smooth it with a palette knife.

    Tip: For a less sweet version, you can swap the white chocolate for more dark chocolate.

VEGAN SEED BREAD

((https://runningonrealfood.com/seed-bread/print/27660/)
This delicious, hearty, dense seed loaf is packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats.
It is low-carb  with a nutty, earthy flavour and chewy texture 

INGREDIENTS
1 cup (150 g) raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (80 g) pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup (approx. 70 g) mixed seeds of choice (choose from hemp seeds, more raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and sesame seeds)
1/4 cup (30 g) ground flaxseed
1/4 cup (45 g) chia seeds
1/4 cup (45 g) psyllium husk powder – this is the binder for the bread! (double if just husks)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp powdered stevia or 10-20 drops liquid stevia (optional but recommended, see notes for alternatives)
1/4 cup (60 g) Tahini
1.25 cup water (295 mL)

INSTRUCTIONS
1.  Preheat the oven to 190 C FF.  Line loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 in) with parchment paper (with ends sticking out over the sides so you can lift it out of the pan).

2.  All into a large mixing bowl except the tahini & water – stir to combine. Add tahini & water, stir into a thick, doughy paste.

3.  Place into a lined loaf pan – spread evenly/press with hands into pan until flat. Bake 50 mins.
If you tap the loaf and it sounds hollow, it’s done. If not, return to the oven for a little longer.

4.  Remove from oven. Let sit 2 mins then use parchment paper to lift the loaf out of the pan. (You may need to run a knife along the edges that don’t have parchment paper covering them).

5.  Let cool on a cooling rack for 15 minutes before slicing into 12-14 slices. Store in an airtight container the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

6.  It will keep in the fridge for 1 week or can be frozen for up to 3 months. It is perfect for toasting!

NOTES

A mix of finely chopped nuts – almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans can replace up to 1 cup of the seeds. Made with walnuts is delicious too!

The stevia is optional but I find a hint of sweetness really improves the final taste. Alternatives include monk fruit sweetener to keep it sugar-free, otherwise maple syrup or coconut sugar.