Kinako White Chocolate Crunch
Necessity often creates the most memorable of recipes. This toasty treat came about while I was living in Japan, studying at a small ceramics studio. One night, after a long day playing with clay, I needed to satisfy my sweet tooth. My first instinct was to make chocolate, but I also wanted a late-night snack that wouldn't keep me awake. Enter kinako powder-- or toasted soy flour-- which is used commonly in Japanese sweets. After years of avoiding soy, I've come to embrace its good sides (both culinarily and nutritionally) when used as part of a well-rounded diet. In this recipe, kinako powder provides the texture and deep flavor that cacao powder would give to chocolate, but without the stimulating effects. With only one pan, a small induction burner, and a limited pantry, I whipped this recipe up in under 20 minutes and was blissfully snacking away in toffee-colored, refined-sugar-free heaven. So stock your pantry, get in the kitchen, and come join me in battling those late night sugar cravings! Turns out, they can be beat!
| INGREDIENTS |¼ cup melted Cacao Butter (or about ½ cup if chopped) 3 tablespoons Kinako Powder*1½ tablespoons Liquid Sweetener (like Maple Syrup, Coconut Nectar, or Honey)¼ teaspoon Salt1 pinch Vanilla Powder⅓ cup Raisins or Mulberries⅓ cup chopped Nuts or Seeds¼ cup sprouted or toasted Buckwheat Groats
| ASSEMBLY |1 | Melt cacao butter, either over a double boiler or gently in a saucepan. 2 | Once melted, remove from heat and stir in kinako powder, sweetener, salt, and vanilla powder. 3 | Add in raisins or mulberries, nuts or seeds, and buckwheat, and coat evenly. 4 | Line a dish or small baking tray with parchment paper or other non-stick sheet. 5 | Place in the freezer until hard, then break into bite-sized pieces and enjoy! *Kinako powder can be found in Asian markets and specialty stores, or can be made at home by toasting organic soy flour in a dry saucepan for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.Kaia Harper is the plant-based chef, recipe developer and educator behind Foreign Familiar.
