The use of hemp seeds is slowly but steadily gaining popularity in modern meals, but if you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a treat! Hemp seeds are a complete protein which contains all ten amino acids. They’re also rich in vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids and have a wonderful, nutty taste. Combined with dark chocolate and sweet, dried apricots, you have an incredibly satisfying and healthy dessert that will make everyone happy! This is also a fun recipe for the kids to help make; dipping the chocolate-covered fruit into the seeds is a great way to get them excited about cooking!

Yield: 3 cups/ 30 dried apricots
Time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

3 oz./ 2/3 cup hemp seed
6 oz. dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
8 oz./ 1½ cups dried apricots

DIRECTIONS

Place the hemp seed into a shallow dish. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Next, create a water bath to temper the chocolate: Fill a medium pot with a few inches of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add half of the chopped chocolate into a heat-proof bowl. Fit bowl on top of pot. Using a heat-proof spatula, stir the chocolate until it completely melts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully remove bowl from water bath. Add remaining chocolate pieces in two batches, stirring to combine and melt. Dip each dried apricot into the tempered chocolate to coat 3/4 of the apricot and then dip into hemp seed. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat, until all dried apricots are coated. Place in the fridge until hardened, up to an hour. Remove from fridge, and store in sealed container until served.

TINA’S TIP

The apricots can also be rolled into chopped nuts or a combination of ground nuts and hemp seeds

Calories (per dipped apricot): 60
Protein: 2 g
Total Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Fiber: 1 g

©2013 The Truly Healthy Family Cookbook.