Cashew date coconut bark

Cashew Date Coconut Bark 

I’ve decided I needed a trail mix recipe because I love them so much. Their perfect for taking on the go, to have with you when your watching TV, reading a book, or in need of a tasty something fast!

I used to buy this one mix from homegoods. It was a mixture of coconut chips, chocolate chips, dehydrated pineapple and a cashew date coconut bark. I wasn’t in love but everywhere stopped caring it. So when I decided I needed a trail mix in my life, my first thought was for this one. But what really makes this trail mix is the cashew date coconut part of it. Out of this world addicting.

The benefits of soaking nuts are pretty significant. 

“Nuts have phytic acid. Phytic acid is also found in grains and legumes. Just as with grains and legumes, soaking nuts is essential for proper digestions. When eating nuts that haven’t been soaked, the phytic acid binds to minerals in the gastrointestinal tract and can not be absorbed in the intestine and to many bound minerals can lead to mineral deficiencies. By soaking, you are breaking down the phytic acid so it can be absorbed properly. Nuts also have high amounts of enzymes inhibitors. This is another reason why un soaked nuts are hard to digest. Soaking nuts can neutralize the enzymes allowing for proper digestion.”

Soaking nuts are very important to me because what they offer as far as health benefits are much more absorbed by your body. Plus they’re easier on the digestive system which is a big reason I love soaking them. Soaking takes about 7 hours but if you have longer that’s great too.

How to soak nuts:

1 cup or cashews + 1 cup water

Let sit for at least 7 hours. Rinse, then place on a baking sheet and slide in oven on 200 for 30 minutes.

One they’re soaked and dried out add to a high quality blender;

1 cup dates + 1/2 cup shredded coconut + 1 tsp. vanilla + 1/4 tsp. salt

Blend well. Spread mix on a baking sheet and add cashews. Press down firm to create a bark. Chop apart. Add to dehydrated pineapple, coconut chips and chocolate chips.

Makes the tastiest trail mix! But also makes amazing snack balls too if you just roll them instead of pressing into a bark!