Happy St.Patricks day everyone! Well... to those of you who are A)still alive and B)not belligerently wasted (yet). Today we celebrate... wait... what is it we are celebrating exactly? OH RIGHT wearing green and drinking! JK JK, but every 'Irish' person in America would like to believe that is in fact what this day is all about.
Truthfully it is a celebration (a day for feasting) started in the seventeenth century in honor of St. Patrick. It commemorates the arrival of Christianity to Ireland and is a celebration of Irish heritage and culture.
But enough history, on to the goods! Let's be honest for a second, getting pinched for not wearing green is bull shit! Also green food, primarily (green ketchup) is a thing that should never happen (but it does)... What I am trying to say is, green is a color best left to the irish, to those with freckly complexions and red hair (there are exceptions of course, I just don't believe in wearing color... I do make room for olive green... but someone once told me that doesn't count on St.Paddy's...again I say bull shit). ANYWAYS. I saw this recipe the other day and given that it was naturally green, I figured it would be ok... and you guys I was right!
-MAGICAL MINT BARS-
What you will need for the mint layer:
1 large hass avocado
1/4 cup agave nectar
6 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
dash sea salt
Combine all ingredients into your blender or vitamix (or food processor). Puree until smooth. If you would like leave a little of the coconut in it's shredded form for texture. Line a bread pan with parchment paper and pour your mint mixture inside, smooth evenly and place in the freezer.
What you will need for the chocolate layer*:
1/4 cup vegan shortening melted (I used a coconut/palm blend. You could also simply use coconut oil)
2.5 tbsp agave nectar
1/4 cup carob powder
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp unsweetened coconut milk
dash sea salt
Whisk all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl until smooth. Remove the mint layer from the freezer, pour the chocolate over the top, and place back into the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Cut into 'bars', cover, and store in the freezer until you are ready to enjoy their shamrocky goodness.
I know, I get it, avocado in a dessert?! Weird? Sure! In theory. In actuality it makes for one tasty treat! No lie, I was really impressed.
Cheers my green friends! Eat, drink, and be merry.
xx
