a simple and delicious gift!
when i first saw a recipe for homemade nut butter cups on the peas and thank you blog (no longer active), i immediately wanted to create some in my own kitchen. i've been making them for the occasional treat, an easy way to impress guests or potluck goers, and nice small gifts ever since. the best part is, i never make them the same twice!
these treats can be customized for your tastes, and i beg you to explore while making them! the following have been some of my absolute favorite combinations. dark chocolate with sunseed/pepita butter and a little cayenne dusted over the top. dark chocolate with almond butter, topped with slivered almonds and chopped dried tart cherries. dark chocolate with peanut butter and a little (rather dehydrated, so it wasn't too moist) finely grated ginger root dusted on top. i suppose the secret is out - i always choose dark chocolate!
this recipe will make about 6 cups, but is simple to double, triple, or more!
ingredients:
1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark, whatever you're in the mood for)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup nut butter of your choice
1/3 cup powdered sugar (optional)
toppings such as nuts or dried fruit and/or spices to add a little extra flavor (see intro for ideas)
directions:
use a double boiler over medium heat to melt together chocolate and coconut oil. i do this by fitting a glass bowl into a heavy saucepan (just be sure the bowl isn't touching the bottom) and covering the bottom of the pan with about 2 inches of water.
while chocolate is melting, stir together your nut butter and powdered sugar (if using) until smooth. while adding sweetness, the powdered sugar will thicken your nut butter for an easier-to-eat final product.
then, you just need to construct the cups and let them chill! i like to set up a baking sheet with baking cups (the silicone ones work amazingly for this!), to work easily from one to the next.
Start by evenly dividing half of your melted chocolate mixture between the cups. next, spoon about a teaspoon of nut butter into the center of each. then cover with the remaining chocolate. sprinkle with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or spices while still fresh.
place baking sheet into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until solid. store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
