Chocolate Coconut Almond Haystacks

Chocolate Coconut Almond Haystacks

I was thrilled to discover what I consider to be the healthier, all natural, easy to make version of an old fav: the Almond Joy Candy Bar.  But I was even more thrilled when I made them and tasted it first hand:  Delish!  I came across it in the Food Network Magazine's December 2013 article "50 No-Bake Treats" and it couldn't be simpler:   


Chocolate Coconut Almond Haystacks Recipe:
Melt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.  Mix with 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut and 1 cup toasted sliced almonds.  Form into 16 small mounds and place on wax paper, chill unit set.  Eat & enjoy!


It really is that easy.  And you can make it even easier, by simply melting the chocolate in a large bowl in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's completely melted.  You will only have 1 dish to clean!

Chocolate Coconut Almond Haystacks

Okay I know some of you are saying "this isn't healthy eating, it's dessert!"  Well of course it is, but we all need dessert sometimes...I am strongly opposed to deprivation, and prefer to focus on enjoying treats in moderation; we all need to have a little fun once in a while!  And each of the 3 ingredients do have redeemable qualities (unlike the candy bar it resembles).  But you don't have to take my word on it, read more about it here:


The Health Benefits of Chocolate 

The Health Benefits of Almonds

The Health Benefits of Coconut


These all natural ingredients are easy to just have in your kitchen ready to go when the right moment comes along.  Then you won't have to resort to processed treats with an ingredient list that starts with Corn Syrup (yes that's right, the first ingredient in an Almond Joy candy bar is Corn Syrup!) and contains things such as:  Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Trans Fats!), Artificial Flavor, Soy Lecithin, or Sodium Metabisulfite.


So next time you are craving a little chocolate treat, why not whip up a batch of these Haystacks, you will not regret it!