Cherry Bomb!

Despite my best efforts to kick the habit I am hopelessly obsessed with sugar. Sigh… To avoid going off the deep end I do my best to keep sweets around the house that have some redeeming health qualities. This recipe is packed with protein (thank you almonds and cashews), has no processed ingredients, and is super easy to make. Recently tart cherries have been gaining notoriety as a superfood. They are natural anti-inflammatories, are loaded with antioxidants, and contain melatonin which is known to help with relaxation. This chocolate nut cherry brittle is my new favorite and is great for gifting too. Let’s get cooking!

Chocolate Cherry Nut Brittle Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup almonds
• 3/4 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate

How to:

1. Preheat over to 375 degrees.
2. Combine all ingredients (except chocolate) in a large bowl and toss until all nuts are coated with syrup.
3. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and dump contents of bowl onto lined baking sheet.
4. Place mixture in the center of the wax paper, pat it down until all ingredients are lying flat on the paper, and place sheet in oven for 12-15 minutes
5. Check frequently and remove from oven when nuts around edge of brittle start to turn golden brown.
6. Set baking sheet aside to cool.
7. Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heat chocolate in microwave in 30 second increments – stirring every thirty seconds until chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
8. Use spoon to drizzle chocolate over brittle.
9. Place tray in refrigerator for one hour.
10. Remove tray once chocolate has solidified, peel brittle from wax paper, and break brittle into chunks.
11. Eat and enjoy!