Instead of working behind the camera like I usually am, earlier this week I was in front of my favourite photographer’s lens working in a beautiful kitchen with a handful of recipes from my book. We were shooting some kitchen scene and outdoor photos to sprinkle in my cookbook. Our landlord was gracious enough to lend us her beautiful kitchen for the day so I was surrounded by gorgeous white cabinets, stainless steel, and a walk-in pantry. I had to pick my jaw off the floor when I walked in. What a dream!
Our wedding photographer, Dave Biesse, happened to be visiting family in Ontario this month and by a stroke of luck he was available to do the shoot at the last minute. Reuniting with him just shy of 5 years since our wedding and engagement shoot was a real treat. Dave is so warm, creative, and fun to work with. Not to mention, that Australian accent can make anyone feel at ease! Dave and Charlotte now live in Australia year-round so we don’t get to catch up nearly enough, but they will always be dear to us.
It’s been pretty chaotic around here, but exciting too. We stayed up into the wee hours of the morning for a couple nights preparing recipes, making lists, packing props, and making last minute grocery stores trips. Some recipes had to be made the morning of the shoot, so I was up super early prepping recipes and praying to the culinary gods that the food would stay fresh! Two packed coolers, 4 containers with props/appliances, a handful of freshly ironed clothing, one packed car, and a few butterflies for good measure.
A couple friends suggested that I hire someone to do my hair and make-up so I wouldn’t have to worry about it during the shoot. It sounded like a good plan, but after getting a trial done last week I ended up looking like I was going to meet the Queen. hah. I didn’t even recognize myself in the mirror. Not ideal. I don’t normally do dark eyes or maroon lipstick and I rarely curl my entire head of hair. Eric looked at me with a bit of horror on his face when he saw the finished look. It was priceless. In the end, I opted to do my own usual hair and make-up and I felt much more comfortable. Maybe it wasn’t super glam, but I felt like myself (on a good day, I suppose) which is all that matters.
I planned on taking lots of behind the scenes shots to show you, but unfortunately I didn’t have many spare moments during the day so I only snapped a couple.
Here is a picture of our landlord’s kitchen. Hello, dream boat!
This is a tiny glimpse of the chaos that took over shortly after we arrived in the AM. The entire family room was packed with our stuff. Each time we did a new shot/angle, we had to move everything around the kitchen and then set up the new recipe. The hardest part was not being able to eat all the food though!
When all was said and done, it felt like the day after a wedding. All this build up and then in the blink of an eye, it was over. Still, it’s nice to get back to everyday life where I’m free to get chocolate stains on my clothing and kale in my teeth.
My Aunt Elizabeth made this raw chocolate fudge for our big family get together last week and it was a huge hit. Us ladies were all begging for the recipe which she adapted from the Company’s Coming Superfoods cookbook. This version below is an adaptation of both the original and Elizabeth’s version, swapping ingredients as I saw fit and cutting down the portion in half since it made so much.
Even though this doesn’t have the texture of traditional fudge (it’s more like raw chocolate and smooth as silk), no one seemed to complain! It softens at room temperature (and melts in your mouth), so serve it straight from the freezer and chill leftovers as soon as possible. If you are a raw food purist and want a completely raw fudge use raw cacao powder and agave in place of the cocoa powder and maple syrup. Either way, it’s downright seductive.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Seductive Raw Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Yield
24 Small Squares
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Chill time
60
Total time
My Aunt Elizabeth made this raw chocolate fudge for our big family get together last week and it disappeared incredibly fast. Us ladies were all begging for the recipe which she adapted from the Company’s Coming Superfoods cookbook. This version below is an adaptation of both the original and Elizabeth’s version, swapping ingredients as I saw fit and cutting down the portion in half since it made so much. Even though this doesn’t have the texture of traditional fudge (it’s more like raw chocolate), no one seemed to complain. It softens at room temperature (and melts in your mouth!), so serve it straight from the freezer and chill leftovers as soon as possible. If you are a raw food purist and want a completely raw fudge use raw cacao powder and agave in place of the cocoa powder and maple syrup. Either way, it’s downright seductive.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 cup raw almond butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (or raw cacao powder)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch fine grain sea salt, to taste
- 3/4 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
Directions
- With electric beaters, beat together the coconut oil and almond butter.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and beat again until combined.
- Pour in the maple syrup, vanilla, and salt and beat until smooth.
- Stir in the walnuts.
- Line a loaf pan with a piece of parchment paper. Scoop the chocolate mixture into the pan and spread out until even. I took another handful of walnuts, broke them up, and sprinkled over the top of the fudge for extra crunch and good looks.
- Freeze for about 1 hour, or until solid. Slice into small squares and prepare to be seduced.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)Note: I added a tablespoon of raw cacao nibs into my batch, but next time I will leave them out as I thought they were too crunchy in this fudge.
Raw fudge…never would’ve thought about it but now it’s all I CAN think about. LOL Hmmm may have to give this a whirl this evening. I’m thinking the pecans from my yard would be a great topper…
When you mentioned the hair/makeup I had to laugh. I did the same thing the morning of my wedding. After the professional left, I went into the ladies room and my best friend and I “made under” my heavily made up and styled self. Just feels so strange. You’re gorgeous and you don’t need help chica!! Def looking forward to the book!
I just made these and am waiting for them to firm up to try my first one. I subbed sunflower seed butter just because I am fresh out of my homemade almond butter. I may have to hide some from the kids and my husband! Luckily, they whipped up so fast, I can make more easily. I have already made 2 or three batches of the almond butter cups – they went fast! Also, I put some of this in little heart-shaped silicone molds, and the rest in a loaf pan.
I just made these…they’re awesome and super addictive!
These pictures are amazing!! Love the clean lines and white backdrop!
Wow! My boyfriend has been searching for a healthier treat. This is it!
Just made these – easy and gorgeously smooth and yummy!
I cut down on the amount of sweetener – I used agave and maple syrup mixed and used just over 1/2 the amount and it was fine.
thank you!!!
Beautiful kitchen and beautiful fudge! I can’t wait to see the final pictures in the cookbook; I’m sure they’ll be gorgeous!
This looks unbelievable and I love how easy the recipe and ingredients are.
I know for a fact that you look like a goddess as soon as you wake up of a morning, so I’m not surprised that you-as-you was far more stunning than you-packed-with-makeup could ever be.
Can’t wait to see the photos!
Oh, and anytime you feel like you’re missing an Australian accent in your life… you know where to find me. xo
Wow, I have many things I could use this for! Seductive? yes. haha thanks for sharing Angela :)
This could not have at a more perfect time. I was slammed with a major chocolate attack this afternoon! Seems giving up caffeine has made me want to SNACK!
I am so excited for your cookbook! Thank you for sharing a few behind the scenes pics!
Hi Angela,
I’m really enjoying your blog! I love that you’re putting your own twist on dessert recipes and that you’re keeping them healthy! I am not a vegan (yet!) but I like trying vegan desserts. This chocolate walnut fudge looks delicious:)
I just wanted to let you know you have a new follower!
Thank you Lana! So happy you are enjoying the blog :)
Ahhh so cool all this is really happening. I hope you are having a blast and I can’t wait until your cookbook comes out!!
This looks SO good! I’m pinning it to make on the weekend :)
I have some coconut oil in my kitchen and will try this out today!
totes random, but
i am feeling reflective.
i have been reading
your blog since “boo!”
and am just so
in awe of
ALL THAT YOU
HAVE CREATED.
i hope you take time
to soak it in every so often.
magic. and THANK YOU
for all of it.
Aww Carri! That totally made my day – seriously, thank YOU for reading for so long. That really amazes me!
Made this us last night and it was amazing and super fast to make!!
Can’t wait to try these! You had me at Seductive!
I totally understand about the hair/make-up. I have done many photo shoots where they have over done my natural way! Husbands are always good at that – the dead truth, right. :)
DREAM DREAM DREAM Kitchen! Wow.
this was absolutely fantastic! my mom was skeptical, but she loved it too
First off, THIS. LOOKS. INCREDIBLE! And I pretty much have everything in my kitchen to make it. I just don’t have an electric mixer.. Do you think if I just whisk it super duper fast it will turn out? Haha. Also, your recipes have inspired me and make it easier for me to transition to the Vegan lifestyle.
Thanks! You’re awesome!
Yea I think whisking it fast could work just fine! :) Let me know how it goes.
Thanks for your kind words by the way!
What a gorgeous kitchen. I’m with you I prefer to do my own makeup and hair but feel comfortable.