Mother's Day Treats for Vegan Mums - Carob, Apricot and Macadamia Nut Treat

There's no mystique about veganism. Simply put a vegan is someone who does not include any animal products at all in their diet, that is no meat, no fish, no dairy products, no eggs and no honey. A vegan also won't eat any products derived from animals such as gelatine, shellac, or cocchineal, a food colouring that is made from insects. Protein is obtained from a combination of soy products, nuts and seeds, pulses, wholegrain and grain products.

When preparing food for vegans you must read all labels very carefully - it's surprising just how many products contain items of animal origin. But don't be put off. The vegan diet can be very tasty too, as is shown by this delicious recipe for a Mother's Day treat.

If you cannot get hold of macadamia nuts you can substitute with almonds and almond butter.

This recipe was devoured by my non vegan children and their friends. Which just goes to prove that vegan food does not have to taste like cardboard!

Carob Apricot Macadamia Treat

This is a very rich and very special recipe - just perfect for Mother's day. Its easy to prepare and is very tasty. Even for non vegans!

Ingredients

Half cup carob
One cup chopped dried apricots - preferably unsulfured
Half cup desiccated coconut
One cup chopped macadamia nuts
3 tablespoons palm sugar
Half cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons macadamia nut butter
2 teaspoons natural vanilla essence.
Half cup boiling water

Method

In a large bowl combine carob, apricots, coconut, macadamias, and grated palm sugar.

In a pouring jug stir together the water, nut butter, vanilla essence, and maple syrup. Pour this over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir vigorously until combined. Leave to stand for 15 minutes.

If the mixture seems unduly stiff at this stage add a tablespoon or two of water and stir again. If it seems too squishy add some more coconut or chopped nuts. Press into an 6 inch round dish and freeze overnight.

Next day remove from the freezer, cut into small squares and serve. Delicious!