This is a perfect recipe to have on hand which is GAPS legal when we're going to be out in public around folks that are probably not eating GAPS, especially if you have children. Usually [ahem] adults can control themselves, but sometimes it just feels unfair when our children have no choices. I think it also creates a situation where children may feel as if they are being left out, or being treated unfairly since they can't have what the other children are having. But when there is a yummy substitute, it can turn what could be a negative and sorrowful memory, into something positive and memorable.
Perhaps you have a potluck to attend, or maybe you want to have some GAPS legal candy for your children to trade in at Halloween. I know much of the fun of Halloween is dressing up and getting candy. A solution some healthy eating families employ is to trick or treat but the children trade in the candy for a special gift, or maybe for some GAPS legal candy.

These Sesame Chocolate Nutty Bites are crunchy and chewy, made with lots of wholesome ingredients. You can feel good giving these treats to your children. They do have 1 gram of fiber in each piece, so if you are a GAPSter with severe digestive issues you might want to go easy on these since they do contain 1 gram of fiber in each piece. By the way, this recipe was inspired by an “Energy Nugget” I found in the bulk bins at my local grocery store. They list the ingredients, but not the amounts so this is my attempt to duplicate the store version. I did substitute cocoa powder [affiliate link] for carob powder, and walnuts [affiliate link] for peanuts.

This recipe makes 28 pieces which measure 2-1/2″ long by 1/2″ wide. There are two versions, a slightly less sweet version contains 1 Tablespoon less honey [affiliate link] and 1 Tablespoon more almond butter [affiliate link].

More Sweet: Per serving: 44 calories; 1 gram protein;  3 grams fat;  4 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber

Less Sweet: Per serving: 45 calories; 1 gram protein;  3 grams fat;  3 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber

• 1/4 cup Tropical Traditions Organic Canadian Raw Honey (use 3 Tablespoons for less sweet)
• 2 Tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
• 6 Tablespoons sesame seeds – divided use
• 2 Tablespoon walnuts
• 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (I used Rapunzel Organic Cocoa Powder from Tropical Traditions)
• 2 Tablespoons raw cashews
• 1 Tablespoon almond butter (use 2 Tablespoons for less sweet)
• 2 Tablespoons pumpkin seeds
• 3 Tablespoons Tropical Traditions shredded coconut
• Parchment Paper (preferably unbleached natural
• Invisible Tape
• Stickers, optional

Place the ingredients into a bowl – reserving 3 Tablespoon of sesame seeds for later use.

Mix everything together, the mixture will be very thick and may be difficult to stir.

Place a sheet of parchment paper into a dish 7″ x 5″ This is the one I used: Pyrex Storage 3-Cup Rectangular Dish with Dark Blue Plastic Cover, also lining the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper with some type of GAPS friendly fat (I actually used the almond oil which was floating on top of my almond butter). Place the candy mixture into the parchment paper. Grease the back of a spoon or your fingers and mold into the dish. Take 1.5 Tablespoons of the remaining sesame seeds and spread over the top of the candy mixture until it is evenly covered. Remove the parchment paper and carefully tip upside down onto another piece of parchment paper. Otherwise the candy will stick to whatever you tip it onto.

Replace the original piece of parchment paper into the dish and replace the candy mixture, this time upside down so that the sesame seeds are at the bottom. Spread the remaining sesame seeds on top.

Refrigerate overnight, or at least four hours.

Remove and cut lengthwise so that you have a rectangular piece which is 2.5″ wide and 7″ long.

Now cut 1/2″ pieces which will give you 14 pieces from each rectangular piece.

Remove a strip of parchment paper 7.5″ long. Cut each piece into a 2.5″ piece strip.

Lay the piece of candy in lengthwise, and roll the ends until they overlap. Use a piece of invisible or transparent tape long enough to wrap around and adhere to itself.

You should have a round tube now. Attach a sticker if you wish. Now carefully fold down the ends and twist. The parchment I paper was prone to easily tear so I had to be delicate with it. If you wanted to get really fancy you could use some thin ribbon to tie around the ends of each candy instead of just twisting the ends.

Isn't that smiley face cute?

This post was shared at Fat Tuesday.

**If you order from Tropical Traditions by clicking on any of my Tropical Traditions links and are a brand new customer, you will receive this free book: Virgin Coconut Oil : How it Has Changed People’s Lives, and How it Can Change Yours, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you. Thank you!

If you love desserts like this, I have two cookbooks you really need to check out ASAP! Naturally Sweetened Treats for gluten-free dessert needs and Baker’s Dozen Volume 4, Chocolate Treats for amazing chocolate desserts and snacks.