Recipe: Berries with Cacao-Nut Butter

by JJ Virgin on August 21, 2016

You've go to try this healthy twist on the guilty pleasure of Nutella! (You’ll notice this recipe calls for slow-roasted nuts, and you can read more here about why.)

You can easily have it with fresh organic berries, as this recipe suggests. It's also delicious as a topping for a toasted gluten-free English muffin or stirred into your favorite protein shake.

Be sure you bring along all the other goodies in the Star-Gazing Party menu, too, for a beautiful meal under the stars: Taj’s Chicken Tenders with BBQ Sauce, Kale Chips with Cumin and Sea Salt, and Spiced Sweet Potato Fries.

Berries with Cacao-Nut Butter Spread

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August 21, 2016

You're going to love this healthy take on Nutella! It's got plenty of protein and brain-boosting omega-3s and none of the sugar or guilt. (Don't forget to leave time to slow-roast your nuts beforehand.)

Virgin Diet compliant: Cycles 1, 2, and 3
Sugar Impact Diet compliant: Cycles 1 and 3

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 8 hrs
  • Yields: 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1/2 cup slow-roasted almonds

1/2 cup slow-roasted pecans

2 tbsp raw cacao nibs

1 1/4 tsp monk fruit extract (found in health food stores)

4 tsp coconut butter

1 cup fresh berries (to serve)

Directions

1To Slow-Roast Almonds and Pecans: Place 1/2 cup each raw almonds and pecans and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in a medium bowl, and add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Soak overnight at room temperature, then drain the nuts. Spread them on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 140F for 8 hours. Let cool completely before making nut butter.

2Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and process to form a smooth paste, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

3Serve with fresh berries to dip. To store, refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Allow to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.

This recipe is part of the Star-Gazing Party menu, with Taj's Chicken Tenders & BBQ Sauce, Kale Chips with Cumin and Sea Salt, Spiced Sweet Potato Fries, and Berries with Cacao-Nut Butter Spread. Check out the Star-Gazing Party Menu and Guide for links to all the recipes, plus more handy tips and activities for a wonderful picnic dinner under the stars!

Originally published in The Virgin Diet Cookbook, Grand Central Life & Style, 2014

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size1 tablespoon
Calories184
Sodium25 milligrams
Protein4 grams
Sugar0 grams
Total Fat18 grams
Saturated Fat5 grams
Total Carbohydrates6 grams
Dietary Fiber4 grams

Please SHARE with this tweetable (just click!): Try Berries with Cacao-Nut Butter for a healthy take on on Nutella. This recipe has plenty of protein and none of the sugar or guilt!

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