Closing of April in the Raw + Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies from a Dash of Compassion.

by Brittany on April 30, 2011

Post image for Closing of April in the Raw + Ice Cream Sandwich Cookies from a Dash of Compassion.
Dear Friends and Readers-

Today I am so sad to bring this wonderful April in the Raw event to an end. The good news is that I have  a Guest Post to share with you today -that is sure to be a memorable ending.
.
This month has been truelly astonishing. Every single post has creative and inspiring.
This was new territory for many of us blogger’s (myself included).
I want to thank each and every participant- you all mean the world to me :)
.
I hope this event has provided  you all with the inspiration to include more Fresh Living Food into your diet and enjoy doing so in the process. As we all know now- Raw recipes can be really quite fun!
So fun- that we may need to do this again next April.
..
At the bottom of this post is the linky! If you have not already please feel welcome to link up and share your own Raw Inspired Recipes below! This linkly will remain visible here at Real Sustenance Perminently!
Next week I will be updating the April in the Raw Page with links and photo’s. I’m Currently in Chicago at the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo (and actually Presenting today! :) So my time for now is limited.
Without further Ado- May I introduce you to the Fantastic Author of A Dash of Compassion- Meet Nicole!
….
..
.
I think we all owe Brittany a round of applause for gathering together an incredible number of enthusiastic bloggers to participate in April in the Raw. I know all the contributions have been joyously received and appreciated. Not only are the recipes delicious, beautiful and creative, they are filled with homemade love and healthy ingredients, which make them even more special.
.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a creator of raw, vegan desserts and the voice behind A Dash of Compassion. In my baking journey, I have come to love raw desserts because they are one of the healthiest and most creative dessert choices available.
.
Ideally, the ingredients used in raw dessert-making are fresh, minimally processed and in their natural, nutrient-rich state. It’s quite amazing to see the miracles that occur when these ingredients are soaked, blended, whipped, frozen and dehydrated to form delicious cakes, tarts, cookies, brownies and ice cream. As I’ve learned, the possibilities are endless with what can be created when combining simple raw techniques with a wide variety of healthy, whole foods.
.

Today, I’d like to share a raw version of one of my favourite childhood treats: ice cream sandwich cookies. When I was young, I could have eaten an entire box of frozen Oreo cookie sandwiches without hesitation or any inkling of how much sugar or other unknown ingredients were in them. But that was then, and this is now. I’d much rather indulge in a healthier version, like these ones.
.
I made two delicious flavours here, both using fresh avocado as the ”ice cream” base. The chocolate avocado version is definitely my favourite, but if you’re up for trying a new, very colourful flavour combo, the avocado mint flavour is for you! I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the avocado keeps its beautiful green hue when frozen. So, my only advice is to make sure you keep the filling frozen rather than refrigerated, or else it will turn a very unappealing brown. The rest of the process is surprisingly easy. The only tough part is waiting for the cookies and filling to firm up in the freezer before eating them, but these babies are definitely worth the wait. This recipe makes four large cookie sandwiches. Enjoy!
.

Raw Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Cookies:

3/4 cup almond meal

1/4 cup raw buckwheat groats, ground (or more almond meal)

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

1/2 cup chopped dates, soaked until soft

2 tbsp raw agave nectar

1 tsp vanilla extract

pinch of sea salt

 

1. In a food processor, pulse the almond meal, buckwheat and cacao powder just to combine.

2. Add the chopped dates, agave, vanilla and salt and process until a soft dough ball forms. If it doesn’t, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until a ball forms.

3. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough in between 2 pieces of parchment paper into a thin, even layer. Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and use a cookie cutter to cut out round shapes. Carefully transfer them to a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Place the sheet of cookies in the freezer for at least an hour to firm up.

4. To assemble, spread a thick layer of the chocolate or mint filling (recipes below) on a cookie and place another cookie on top, pressing down gently. Roll the sides of the ice cream sandwich in cacao nibs or nuts to coat. Repeat with remaining cookies. Refreeze for at least an hour before serving. These can be stored in the freezer for a longer period if tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and parchment paper.

 

Filling option #1: Avocado Mint

2 ripe avocados, skin and pit removed

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/2 cup raw agave nectar

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp pure mint extract

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

 

1. Blend together all ingredients, except the coconut oil, in a high-powered blender until smooth. You may need to stop occasionally and scrap down the sides.

2. Add the coconut oil and blend again until combined and smooth.

 

Filling option #2: Chocolate Avocado

2 avocados, skin and pit removed

1/2 cup raw agave nectar

3 tbsp natural almond butter

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

 

1. Blend together the avocado, agave nectar, almond butter and vanilla until smooth.

2. Add the cacao powder and coconut oil and blend until combined and smooth.

 

 

Be Sociable, Share!
  • Tweet

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Heather@GF Cat April 30, 2011 at 1:58 am

What a perfect grand finale post! Thank you so much, Nicole! And thank you, Brittany, for creating and organizing April in the Raw. It has inspired us all!

Reply

Ricki April 30, 2011 at 2:01 pm

What a spectacular close to the event! Ice cream sandwiches are perfectly timed for the advent of spring and summer–can't wait to bite into one! Thanks again, Brittany, for such a wonderful event. I am totally inspired to eat more raw foods. :D

Reply

The Healthy Apple May 6, 2011 at 3:23 pm

My mouth is watering; you are amazing. I am surely going to make these this Summer when the weather gets nice n' hot. Such a pleasure meeting you at 1 in 133 in D.C. You are fabulous and a true inspiration. So happy to have another great gluten-free bloggie buddy…xo

Reply

Leave a Comment

{ 1 trackback }

  • Diet, Dessert and Dogs » New Candida FAQ Page, New Web Page Recommendations and DDD in Your Kitchen

Previous post:

Next post: