Paleo Almond Joy Bites

It is almost Halloween! I didn’t really get into halloween until college. I know I know. You are thinking scantily clad outfits... I actually take a lot of pride in making most of my costumes. I typically only spend about $10 on supplies. I probably have more fun thinking of an original costume and creating it than actually wearing it. Yes a little strange. I have been Audrey Hepburn, Rachel Berry, Mckayla Is Not Impressed and Selina Kyle. Maybe there is a theme there. 

I used to love candy. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in particular. Then it was Kit-Kats. Then Midnight Snickers. And finally Almond Joys. Sweets are my weakness. These candies are my new weakness! They taste so much like the original. One of my favorite Paleo blogs, Paleo Parents, is doing a Halloween Treat roundup! I love there are so many options other than store bought candy to share on Halloween!

Ingredients

1/3 cup honey

1 14 oz can coconut cream

1/2 cup roasted almond

2 cups unsweetened finely shredded coconut 

1/4 tsp almond extract 

1/2 cup enjoy life chocolate chips

1 tbls coconut oil 

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a small sauce pot over medium heat, cook coconut cream until boiling. Add honey and stir until completely dissolved. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 35-40 minutes stirring occasionally. The mixture should reduce to slightly more than one cup. 

Place almonds on a baking sheet and cook for 4-5 minutes. Let cool and then finely chop. 

In a large bowl mix coconut, coconut cream mixture, chopped almonds and almond extract. Scoop into 1 tablespoon balls onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Chill for at least an hour to set. 

Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 20 seconds, stirring in-between. About 3-4 rounds. You could just drizzle the chocolate with a spoon, but I like creating an easy piping bag. Scoop mixture into a quart plastic bag. Squeeze out almost all air and seal. Snip a tiny piece off a lower corner of the bag. Drizzle chocolate over coconut almond mounds. Return to fridge for at least 30 minutes to let chocolate set. Keep in fridge for 5-7 days. 

Recipe adapted from here. 

Enjoy! 

x vanessa