Caught with your pants down on V-day?

Don’t get caught with your pants down this Valentine’s Day!

Well… do get caught with your pants down in a loving and romantic way, but not in a “whoops, I forgot to deliver the sweets, sweetie” way.

You see, it’s not too late to whip up a batch of simple and delicious candy for your honey!

When I was a kid, the Valentine tradition in our house was to wake up to a bounty of sweet booty at the foot of our beds. Late at night my parents (OK, likely my mom), would sneak into each of our bedrooms and leave a Valentine card along with some chocolates and sweet-hearts to greet us in the morning.

It’s a memory I savor as much as the treats!

But when things get busy, I know many a mama (including myself) can get caught with her heart on her sleeve, and perhaps in her throat, but with no sweet treats (that meet our exacting standards that is!) for the foot of the bed.

Let Nakayummies come to your rescue!

Instead of leaving my kiddo broken-hearted, I plan to whip up a batch of Nakayummies this weekend and scribe my maternal adoration on a homemade card. The family tradition shall live on in the heart of my child as it does for me.

For those of you who are familiar with a good Nakayummy, go ahead and pull out all your key ingredients for a quick and satisfying chocolate confection. You already know you won’t be sorry!

And don’t be afraid to get creative…Nakayummies are very forgiving.

For those of you in need of a Nakayummy refresher, I’ve got your covered with two ways to meet your heart’s desire.

Be mine, valentine!

Warmly,

P.S. And please do stay tuned… I have another Valentine’s Day treat coming your way. Check your inbox on Sunday for a special heart-happy goodie (not chocolate exactly, but I think you’re going to like it!).

cookies n’ cream nakayummies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil

• scant 1/4 cup raw honey or coconut nectar (perhaps less, these are sweet!)

• 1/4 cup raw cocoa nibs

• 1 tspn vanilla extract

• 1/2 tspn sea salt (or more, if you like the salty/sweet)

• 1/2 heaping cup pecans, chopped medium-fine

Preparation

Mix all ingredients into softened (but not heated) coconut oil in bowl (you don’t want the cocoa to melt).

Place bowl in refrigerator for about 1/2 hour or so.

Mix ingredients to incorporate and, using a melon scooper, scoop rounded dollops into mini muffin, candy cups or ice cube trays. Freeze.

chocolate mint nakayummies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup gently melted coconut oil

• 1/2 cup gently melted cacao butter or another 1/2 cup gently melted coconut oil

• scant 1/2 cup raw honey or coconut nectar

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more to taste) ~ optional

• 1/2 cup carob powder

• 1/2 cup cacao powder

Preparation

Mix all ingredients into your melted coconut oil in a bowl. Work the ingredients to be sure they are well integrated and there are no clumps of carob or cacao.

Carefully pour into mini muffin, candy cups or ice cube trays. Freeze.

For both recipes, you can take them over the top by sprinkling them with freeze-dried strawberries (pictured here) or raspberries, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sea salt. Let your creativity and taste buds lead the way!

By: Andrea Nakayama, FxNA Founder & Functional Medicine Nutritionist

Functional Nutrition Alliance provides the comprehensive online Functional Nutrition training in the Science & Art of the Functional Nutrition practice. Learn to address the roots of your clients’ suffering with client education, diet & lifestyle modifications.