Carob Coconut Cashew Chews

If you're like me, you know exactly what items are in your kitchen at any given time. And, if you're like me, you're obsessed with using up everything you have before you buy something new. And, you'd understand quite well how I woke up Saturday morning with a clear vision of making a very specific, delicious treat using ingredients from the cupboard.

I've had a bag of figs lying around for quite a while, and it was time I used them up. I always have cashews on hand. Carob chips are a wonderful alternative to chocolate chips since they're not as sweet, and they have a lovely nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups dried figs (take the stems off first)
2 cups plain, raw, unsalted cashews
1 cup coconut flakes or chips, unsweetened (I used Trader Joe's Organic Unsweetened Coconut Chips)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pinch of salt
2/3 cup carob chips (I used Sunspire Vegan Carob Chips)

With a food processor's L-shaped blade, finely chop the figs, cashews, coconut chips/flakes, vanilla, and salt. Don't chop too much - you'll want a "granola" consistency in the end. Press the mixture flat on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside.

Melt the carob chips with a double-boiler - you don't have to use anything fancy - just a small sauce pan and a glass bowl will do. Luxuriously coat the cashew mixture with the melted carob. Chill for 2 hours or until solidified.

Cut into squares, and enjoy!