Almond CACAO COOKIES WITH SALTED MACA CARAMEL

Maca is great for improving my mood and balancing my hormones because of its adaptogenic properties. It has a unique flavor that works well with chocolate—try it out! —EvE

MAKES 8 TO 10 COOKIES

ALMOND CACAO COOKIES

1 cup (170 g) almonds

1 cup (170 g) dates

2 heaping tbsp (14 g) cacao powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

SALTED MACA CARAMEL

1 cup (170 g) dates

2 tbsp (14 g) maca powder

Himalayan pink crystal salt, to taste

¾ cup (180 ml) water, more or less as needed

TOPPINGS (OPTIONAL)

Pecan halves, walnut halves and/or almonds

FOR THE ALMOND CACAO COOKIES

Pulse the almonds into flour in a food processor, adding the rest of the ingredients and pulsing until it all sticks together. Press it into the bottom of a lined baking pan and put it in the fridge.

FOR THE SALTED MACA CARAMEL

Blend all the ingredients until smooth and thick like whipped cream. Put this in the fridge for about 2 hours.

Use a cookie cutter to make your cookies, and then scoop a spoonful of caramel on top of each one. Press a walnut, almond or pecan onto the dollop of caramel. Refrigerate overnight or at least for a few hours … then enjoy with fresh almond milk!

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