Chocolate Cherry Pecan Stacks

I started getting interested in nutrition around fifteen years ago and have been a pretty dedicated health freak for most of that time. I have found the secrets to keeping healthy eating desirable are trying out new foods to keep the monotony at bay, trying out different combinations and cooking techniques to not feel deprived, and indulging in the “naughty” foods I like, but combining them with some more nutrient dense ingredients. Chocolate for example, is a potent source of both caffeine and sugar, two stimulants that can easily throw off our bodies’ balance. Since I love chocolate I find it effective to combine it with foods rich in protein and healthy fats like nuts and seeds, as well as food rich in fiber like dried fruits. The addition of protein, fats and fiber makes smaller amounts more filling and kind of works to counteract the effect of the stimulants on the body by slowing down digestion and keeping blood sugar levels more stable. A mixture like this also gets some bulk from puffed whole grains so eating a few of these is overall a better choice than eating a few regular cookies. It will satisfy a craving but supply the nutrients your body needs to keep functioning well.

Puffed whole grains are mostly air but they do have some of the fiber and nutrients still present. Paired with melted chocolate, dried cherries and some nuts they make for a light, chewy, crispy and sweet snack or dessert. Brown rice and millet, a whole grain similar to quinoa, are the two most commonly available and they come in large bags or boxes in the cereal section at health food stores. I used both but just one or the other would be good. They have subtle flavours reminiscent of their nutty, whole grain taste but it is their texture that really adds something to this treat. I find that the puffiness they add makes the end product a viable substitute for mini chocolate bars that have a range of flavours and textures. The pecans add in their buttery flavour and the cherries offer an interesting combination of sweet and tart, however any nuts and dried fruits desired can be substituted in the same amounts.