Cacao Crunch
A Brief History of Cacao
Cacao has been cherished for centuries, originating from the ancient cultures of Central America. The cacao tree, known scientifically as Theobroma cacao, translates to "food of the gods." The Aztecs and Mayans highly revered cacao beans, using them as currency and in ceremonial drinks. As cacao journeyed across the globe, it became the foundation for modern chocolate, captivating taste buds worldwide.
Ingredients for Cacao Crunch
- Cacao nibs
- Rolled oats
- Honey
- Coconut oil
- Almonds
- Dried cranberries
- Chia seeds
- Sea salt
- Vanilla extract
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the cooking process, gather and measure all your cacao nibs, rolled oats, honey, coconut oil, almonds, dried cranberries, chia seeds, sea salt, and vanilla extract. This ensures a smooth cooking experience without interruptions.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)(link to Cooking Timer). This allows the oven to reach the perfect temperature by the time you're ready to bake the cacao crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cacao nibs, and almonds. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt coconut oil and honey until they form a uniform mixture. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt.
- Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly on the sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes(Cooking Timer), stirring halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't burn.
- Once golden brown, remove from the oven and sprinkle chia seeds and dried cranberries on top while still warm.
- Allow the cacao crunch to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters.
Enjoying Cacao Crunch
The delicious cacao nibs create a satisfying crunch combined with the natural sweetness of honey and dried cranberries. Perfect as a topping for yogurt, a cereal substitute, or a standalone snack. Store in an airtight container for freshness and enjoy your cacao nibs creation whenever the craving hits.