Kitchen Demo: Caramel Squares

With a magical wholefood twist

Hello crew!

This recipe is one of my website’s most popular downloads of the last decade. RIP website - I finally hit delete, and fully embraced Substack like a kitten at a stanger’s leg.

So this week, we will corrupt Millionaire’s Shortbread with mantras and health foods. Yes mantras (caramel is spiritual, right?)

No white flour and butter in sight. Instead, we use a combo of nuts and wholegrains. Ground almonds are pumped with monounsaturated fat, magnesium and vitamin E. Ditto tahini, but with the added benefits of body-boosting B vitamins. And oats have astral amounts of fibre for our microbiota. Back. Flip.

The secret to this recipe lies with odourless coconut oil. Forgive me, as you'll need to order this online, or source it in your local health food store.

Odourless coconut oil is the snazzlejazzle. After a first pressing (extra virgin), the oil is gently steamed to remove its strong coconutty perfume and taste. It's no longer a raw product at this point, but is still a superb source of MCTs (the medium chain triglycerides that sporting folk become disproportionately affectionate about).

Turns out, that all saturated fats are not equal. Each saturated fat has its own structure, and their individual differences influence the way they work in your body. (Scientists, deep breaths while I mutilate your language). MCTs seem to be metabolized more like carbohydrates than fats, and quickly used for energy. Coconut oil looks like a prime example. Butter will deliver 1-2g of MCTs per tablespoon, ghee around 4g, and coconut oil a whopping 8g. Store this little nugget for later, to impress that hot tri-athlete in your office. You're welcome.

I hope you get to try this beaut. We store and serve our caramel squares straight from the freezer, to keep them super fudgy and delishy. This way, the squares will keep for months wrapped in parchment - treats on tap!

Do play around with decorations… flaky sea salt is always a winner, but you may like to smuggle in some extra antioxidants in the form of goji berries, freeze-dried raspberries, or chewy dried mulberries. Of course, if you have dried rose petals in your pantry, they will elevate any chocolate dessert. But easydoesit - unless you enjoy rose petals sticking to your front teeth!

Love, light, and kegs of caramel,

Susan Jane

x

// Salted Caramel Squares//