Joyful Almond Bites

Serves 12

Recipe Level: Easy

I went back and forth on putting the word vegan in the title of this recipe. I didn't want to scare anyone off thinking these little bites are anything but chocolately coconutty goodness. VEGAN CAN BE YUMMY TOO!!! These are also gluten-free and paleo friendly so everyone can enjoy these little treasures.

Coconut Oil - 1/3rd cup
Creamy Almond Butter - 1/3rd cup
Truvia Baking Blend - 2 tbsp. or 1/4 cup Agave Nectar (for paleo)
Vanilla Extract - 1/2 tsp.
Cocoa Powder - 1/3rd cup
Shredded Coconut - 4 tbsp.
Slivered Almonds - 4 tbsp.
Kosher or Sea Salt - sprinkle

1. Mix coconut oil, almond butter, Truvia or Agave, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder in a blender. Mix for a couple minute or until the mixture comes together and is very smooth. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the air bubbles will rise to the surface.

2. While your mixture is setting, take a little over half your almonds and coconut and add to the bottom of a silicon mini-muffin tin or a regular mini-muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers.

3. Pour your chocolate mixture over the coconut and almonds trying to get even amounts in each cup.

4. Take a toothpick or small knife and run it through the mixture in each cup to make sure it coats the coconut and almonds on the bottom and to ensure all the air bubbles are out.

5. Take the reserved almonds and coconut and sprinkle a little on the top of each chocolate cup. Then add a little sprinkle of salt to the top of each too. A little dab will do you here, you don't want too much salt, but a little brings out the cocoa flavor.

6. You can place in the fridge or freezer depending on how patient you are to let them set. They are usually good to go after 10 minutes in the freezer or 30 minutes in the fridge. You will need to keep them refrigerated or frozen because the coconut butter melts just above room temperate. I usually just leave them in the freezer because I love when they are nice and frosty.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information per serving from Myfitnesspal.com

Joyful Almond Bites - 132 Calories, 12g. fat, 5g. carbs, 2g. protein