Raw Chocolate Fondue and Fruit Dippers

Serves 6-8

Tempering chocolate? Forget it… Just whip up this healthy dessert fondue in a food processor! Raw cocao is an unprocessed form of chocolate that boasts high levels of anti-oxidants and minerals. It is unheated cocoa that hasn’t gone through the trails and tribulations of processed bars and confections. Find raw cacao nibs and powders in natural foods stores or online.

Chef’s Notes: I made a version of this recipe for myself with only liquid stevia as the sweetener to keep my blood sugar levels balanced. It wasn’t as rich and “rounded” as the version with dates below, but was sweet and chocolately enough for me. Omit the dates, and use 2-3 full droppers of liquid stevia extract, found in the supplements section at your local natural foods store.

2 ripe avocados
1 1/2 cups coconut juice (not milk), fresh or bottled
10-12 large pitted dates, soaked in water to cover for 10 minutes
8 tablespoons raw cocao powder
2 full droppers liquid stevia extract
2-3 pounds favorite fruit, chopped or sliced into 1-inch pieces

Blend all ingredients (except the fruit) in a food processor or blender. Add extra coconut juice, if needed, to get a smooth, creamy consistency that will hold onto dipped fruit without pulling the the fruit from the fork. Add additional cocao powder if you desire a dark chocolate flavor.

Transfer to a decorative bowl. Arrange the fruit chunks on a platter next to the chocolate and have the forks at hand. Serve room temperature. Dip and eat.

Food photos by Jackson D. Carson

©2010. Alison Anton. All rights reserved.