FABULOUS FRIDGE FUDGE
I love a simple quick and delicious recipe. We have to get very creative when we are working on healing the gut and need to have some yummy treats around to keep on the path to recovery. This recipe by the talented Hemsley sisters is an absolute gem. It requires no cooking and takes moments to assemble. The hardest part is waiting 30 minutes for the fudge to firm up in the fridge! I’ve used extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for its anti-inflammatory component from the oleic acid as well as its phenolic component which helps build up healthy gut bugs. You can also use coconut oil which is antifungal and antimicrobial and contains a lot of medium-chain fatty acids, used preferentially by the liver for fuel – great for really active kids. Using coconut oil gives you slightly firmer fudge. I have used Medjool dates in this recipe because they are soft and easy to blend but also because they have a lovely caramelly flavour. If you can only get hold of normal dates then soak them for 30 minutes in enough hot water to cover the dates and then rinse and use in the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 3/4 cup light tahini
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dessicated coconut
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Line a small baking tin or glass dish about 11cm x 17cm. Use parchment paper.
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a thick paste.
- Tip the mixture into your prepared tin or glass dish and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle with the desiccated coconut.
- Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Take out of the fridge and slice into the desired shape.
Notes
THE SCIENCE BIT
Sesame seeds are especially good for those following a dairy free diet as they are loaded with calcium as well as a host of other vitamins an minerals that support bone health. Dates are loaded with soluble fibre and are excellent food for kids prone to constipation and can be a great tonic for the nervous system. Studies have also shown that dates have an anti-inflammatory effect especially in lowering inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) which has been implicated in some brain disorders.
