Hello from the Methow Valley. I’m here photographing farmers for the Methow Conservancy’s Methow Grown project. I can’t wait to share some images and stories from the week with you soon. In the meantime, I’m sharing the recipe for this hormone balancing nut butter bark. Continue reading for the recipe…
As some of you know I’ve been struggling with some hormonal imbalances. The symptoms have been frustrating and difficult physically and emotionally. As a result I’ve been reading lots and seeking out advice anywhere and everywhere. I keep reminding myself that hormones don’t change overnight and that I need to be patient with myself and the process. That said, I’m pretty excited to finally see some improvement as a result of a more rigorous exercise routine, plenty of sleep, zinc supplements, cutting out all dairy products, drastically reducing my sugar intake and seed cycling. This recipe is a product of my journey. It’s a satisfying treat that won’t spike your blood sugar and is loaded with seeds rich in lignans and zinc which help balance estrogen and progesterone. I hope you enjoy it and have a great week.
Hormone Balancing Nut Butter Bark
INGREDIENTS
1 cup cocoa butter
2 tablespoon coconut sugar
1/4 cup cashew butter (or other nut butter of choice)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Flaky salt
PROCEDURE
Melt the cocoa butter and coconut sugar in a pan over medium heat. Combine the melted cocoa butter, cashew butter and vanilla in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Line a 9×9 inch rimmed baking sheet or pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan. In a small bowl combine the seeds. Sprinkle the seeds and some salt over the bark and freeze for 20-30 minutes until solid. Once chilled, cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Just made my own version of this with lucuma instead of coconut sugar, and tahini instead of cashew butter. DIVINE. <3
Sounds yummy!
Thank you! I was wondering a good alternative to cashew butter 🙂
I made it last week, but unfortunately the coconut sugar didn’t dissolve at all. Did this ever occur to you?
Hmmm not sure why this might have happened. Maybe it just needed a little longer in the warm cocoa butter.
I’ve learned that when using coconut sugar you should powder it in the spice/nut grinder to keep it from sinking to the bottom if your mixture.
That’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing
You would have to leave in the freezer or even the refrigerator for the coconut oil to harden and only take them out when ready to be eaten.
Correct…just like the recipe says.
Happy feasting, happy healing!
lovely! I´m struggling with it as well from time to time (even though it won´t show on my blood tests). You have a wonderful site with inspiring images 🙂
My hormone imbalances don’t show in my tests either. It’s amazing to me how small imbalances can manifest in such big ways for some of us. Good luck!
I’m sorry to hear about your hormonal imbalance. It’s hard to learn that our body has boundaries. Although it’s good to know that your doing better! I have a really picky stomach and need to be careful, too! That troubles me sometimes but I learned so many wonderful, new and delicious things just because I have these issus. Something good comes out of all bad things 😉 Thanks for sharing the recipe and your thoughts …
Ginger by Choice I Food & Lifestyle Blog
Yes! It’s all about awareness and balance! Good luck!
I will have to make these soon!
This post is a reminder of much that I appreciate about you and the Tending the Table blog:
You are in touch with your body
You find healthy ways to help imbalances (here, it’s hormonal, but others have been anxiety, travel, grief, etc.)
You openly share with others. This helps to break down barriers, and helps to destigmatize different parts of our being human
You model for others through self care and defining tangible steps of your personal routine
And of course, there is the beautiful photography and incredible recipes
This comment made my day! XOXO
YUM girl! Hope you are feeling well and enjoying your trip <3 and eating petty of this yummy snack. xx
Thanks Jessie!
I loveee this recipe, Sasha! What a beautiful idea! And gorgeous photo, as usual. <3
Thanks so much!
Yum! Could you use coconut butter in place of cocoa butter? I want to make this ASAP, but only have the former on hand!
Hmmm probably wouldn’t work. The cocoa butter is what makes it solid. Without it it won’t harden.