Healthier Dark Chocolate Fruit Clusters

If you are looking for healthier options this Easter, without compromising on fun and flavour, you might want to try these chocolate fruit clusters. Xylitol is one of the few healthy sugar substitutes available, while the fruit and nuts help to make these treats both filling, and a real nutrition hit.

I have discussed the health benefits of dark chocolate in many places on my website, but did you know that it is a brain food? Eating dark chocolate increases the flow of blood to the grey matter in the brain. It has been suggested that cocoa flavonols would benefit conditions associated with reduced blood flow to the brain, including dementia and stroke. A study of the elderly that looked at consumption of flavonols (in dark chocolate, tea and red wine) lead to better cognitive function.

Ingredients

• 100g dark chocolate
• 15g dried cranberries
• 25 ready to eat apricots
• 40g pecan nuts
• 5 Nairns rough oatcakes
• 2 tsp xylitol
• 40g flaked almonds

Method

1. Melt the chocolate in a glass bowl set in shallow water over a low heat.
2. Blend all ingredients (except almonds) in a food processor until roughly chopped.
3. Add the blitzed mixture and the almonds to the melted chocolate and coat thoroughly.
4. Spoon into 10-12 cake cases and chill in fridge until set.

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