Salted Caramelized Chocolate Matzoh

With a clean diet, holidays can be a little tricky and also terrifying. I think it is important to remember that holidays only come around a few days a year, so a little refined sugar won’t kill anyone once in a while. Neither will a little butter, chocolate, or an extra helping of pasta. However for myself and all those other gluten/lactose intolerant people out there, those indulgences (even if rare) can lead to miserable, uncomfortable and utterly painful feelings that really make the whole thing not worth it. But I also don’t want to feel deprived, or have FOMO (fear of missing out) so I feel it is my duty to help all of you out there with digestive issues and/or allergies. I not only want you to feel included, but to also feel that you may be even having something better than all those gluten/dairy lovers (it will be our little secret).

Once a year for about a week, Jewish people all over the world are unable to eat bread or anything leavened. The two ritual seders often result in dry tasteless cakes, and crumbly constipating cookies. Chic? I think not. You would think that with their awful texture and flavours that maybe, just maybe, you were eating something healthy. Well, sorry to break it with you, but even with no bread, you are eating blood sugar spiking, fibre-less flour mixed with water. That is what matzoh is. The desserts still contain modified oils and flour. Oh and loads of refined sugars without really tasting so great. Like I said, life is short so go for it if it truly satisfies your passover sweet tooth. But why settle? Luckily, Ive been able to transform the my favourite caramelized chocolate matzoh (aka maztoh brittle) into a perfectly CEG (Clean Eating Goddess) treat. Free of refined sugars, gluten and dairy, those of you trying to get a little healthier will be satisfied by this treats new makeover. The “salted caramel” is made of dates, vanilla and coconut milk. The chocolate glaze is used with 70% cocoa and the toppings are endless. I used coconut, hazelnut and chopped peanuts*** but anything goes! Full of antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats this dessert or snack will satisfy any sweet tooth and make you forget all your passover woes.I hope you enjoy!

***peanuts are a legumes and are not kosher for passover for some. If your making this for guests please double check!

Cook note: It is best to make these closer to the time of serving because they can tend to get slightly soggy. If you can’t make these so close to serving time, then please store in the fridge!

Serves 5-8

Ingredients:

• 10-12 dates (pitted)
• boiling water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• good pinch of sea salt
• 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 6-10 pieces of gluten free matzo
• roasted chopped hazelnuts
• roasted chopped peanuts
• roasted coconut flakes
• 12 ounces of 70% cocoa (I like Purelife chocolate chips that are gluten and dairy free)

Directions:

1. Cover dates in boiling water until submerged for 15-20 minutes. (keep water)

2. Remove pits (if your dates are not pitted) and place in the food processor. Add lemon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt and blend. Add the water from the dates until reached desired consistency. Store in a jar in the fridge until needed.

3.Toast nuts in a dry pan or oven for 10 minutes or until golden. Keep a close eye or they will burn!

4. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.

5. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay out your gluten free matzoh. Using a butter knife, spread on as much caramel as you’d like to each piece.

6. Using a small spoon, spoon the chocolate and drizzle from high distance. Sprinkle sea salt and add toppings of choice.

7. Break matzo in pieces and serve ASAP.