No Fuss Lunchbox Fudge (Vegan + Nut Free & Refined Sugar-Free)

I've intentionally been stingy with the girls this week in terms of what's been going in their lunches for bicycle camp.  I feel like they are ALWAYS getting too much crap.  Even when I do my best to limit it at home, via birthday parties, daycare and school events, play dates and relatives, they are constantly being given food I would prefer they didn't eat.  It drives me nuts, but I feel like unless I become (like I'm not one already, ha!) an uber obsessive mother that doesn't let her children ever eat what all the other children are eating, that I'm virtually powerless. 

Little A loves her sweets for sure, but it's still Big A we worry about most.  She just doesn't have a healthy relationship with food.  She always wants to eat.  When other children decline offers for food, she will always accept, even if she's just eaten (unless the only thing being offered is veggies, that is).  I think I was kinda the same as a kid though, I always had a bigger appetite than most of my friends, so I wonder if its maybe a genetic thing.  Besides, Adam and I are ridiculously big eaters (people routinely gawk at how much food little ol' me packs away), so I guess it shouldn't be a surprise.  In addition, like Adam and I, Big A is extremely physically active.

I guess what's more concerning is that she is constantly nagging us for 'treats', which we try to remind her are 'treats' because we are not meant to have them often.  But I swear, nothing makes this kid happier than junk: hot dogs, ice cream, cookies, chips, candy.  She loves it all!  So I try to counteract all the crap these kids eat with better options at home. 

Surprisingly, there have been few complaints about the apple sauce and organic raisin boxes which have been their lunchbox 'treats' this week.  Nevertheless, I decided they deserved a real treat.  Big A's cycling has improved significantly and the camp had Little A off her training wheels the first day.  They are both having a fantastic time, are busy and active all day and come home exhausted, exhilarated and starving. 

So I whipped up this fudge for a little dessert treat and it was a huge hit.  It's simple: you just melt all the ingredients together!  It is also a perfect treat to include in lunch boxes because it is allergy-friendly

No Fuss Lunchbox Fudge

225g unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup unsweetened sunflower seed, soy or pea butter
85g block of creamed coconut
1 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Melt all the ingredients together in a pot set over medium/low heat.  Don't worry if it's grainy.  When everything is melted together, remove from heat and pour into a parchment-lined 8x8 square pan.  Refrigerate several hours until firm.  Keep refrigerated.  Makes 20 pieces.

See, I'm not such an ogre, I let these kids have treats, just treats done right, that's all!

This recipe has been submitted to Vegetarian Mamma's Gluten-Free Friday and Diet, Dessert & Dogs' Wellness Weekend.