Raw & Simple Chocolate Sauce! (Vitamix)

I seriously love using the Vitamix. I keep discovering new things to use it for, and it is such a great way for me to satisfy my desire to experiment in the kitchen!

Some things are becoming a staple, and it's actually a ridiculously easy and healthy way to create all sorts of sweet and savory condiments! Raw nutella, salad dressings, dips and sauces. One of my favorites is this raw and sugar free chocolate sauce.

I have an unfortunate addiction to sugar-filled coffee beverages(homemade lattes and frappuccinos are my go-to). In order to offset the guilt and impact on my health, I'm constantly trying to find healthier and more natural alternatives that still result in a something sweet and delicious!

This raw chocolate syrup is perfect for making mocha frappuccinos(or drizzling on top of a caramel-peanut butter frappuccino..mmm), but it is also rich and decadent topping for any "ice cream" or dessert of your choosing!

All it takes are some dried dates, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a bit of sea salt and cinnamon! NO sugar, NO milk and NO saucepans!

I like to soak my dates beforehand, as I find they seem to be smoother and sweeter in recipes. I only soaked them for about an hour, but they always seem to look rather awful after! Don't let the picture turn you off, I have come to associate the cloudy water and mushy fruit with the much more appealing and mouth-watering end-result. :)

These were smaller(sayer) dates, but you can use larger Medjool dates, you would just need less of them. After soaking, dump the dates and soaking water into your blender. (Note: You could probably try a blender other than a Vitamix or Blentec, but lower powered blenders will not have a smooth and creamy of a result).

Add cocoa powder. I used dutch-processed dark cocoa powder, which I find I need to add much less than lighter brands such a Fry's. It is probably better to add less and increase according to taste if you are using a different brand or process. Too much cocoa powder, especially if it is dark, can be unpleasantly sharp and overpowering.

Add vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt. Some people may want to add less sea salt if they are nervous to add as much, but I find it really enhances the flavour. I would definitely recommend using sea salt if you have it, as it tastes better and is better for you.

Blend!!! Start on low, and increase to the highest speed until it is creamy and smooth. If it is too thick, add small amounts of water until it reaches desired consistency.

If it is not sweet enough to your taste, drop a couple more dates in.

Pour into a container, and enjoy! Mine usually lasts at least a week or two in the fridge, so just keep an eye on it. The only downside to eating natural and preservative free food is that they don't last forever!

(I once had a Nesquick bottle that I discovered was over ten years old, and eerily, it still looked and tasted exactly as it did when I first bought it. Probably not as great for you, but that's just my opinion..)

I could easily eat this everyday! (and just might...)

Raw & Simple Chocolate Sauce

(In the Vitamix)

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pitted dates(or more, depending on your preference for sweetness)

2 tbsp dutch process, european dark cocoa powder (or 4-6 tbsp lighter cocoa powder, depending on brand)

1 tbsp vanilla

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Soak dates for at least an hour in a bowl with enough water to cover.

2. Pour water and dates into high-powered blender.

3. Add cocoa powder, vanilla, sea salt and cinnamon.

4. Blend thoroughly, starting on low and increasing to the highest speed.

5. Dip spoon in to taste. If too thick, add more water. If it is not sweet enough, blend in a couple more dates.

6. Pour into sealable container, using spatula to get it all out of the blender. Should keep at least one week in the fridge(and possibly longer), but don't expect it to last that long!

#vegan #dairyfree #chocolate #raw #natural