TROPICAL CHEWS

Inspired by one of my favorite treats, the Happy Cake found at the Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu. No longer able to eat Happy Cake, due to it being a big ball of gluten, I decided to try to get the flavors condensed into 1 bite size treat, hence the Tropical Chew was born.  

These are really fun to make with kids, just have an adult to the food processor portion and let the kids get their hands sticky making the chews. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 c Trader Joe Pineapple Chips (or other dried pineapple)
• 1 c unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 c raw macadamia nuts
• 1/2 c raw honey
• pinch sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Have a medium size glass bowl to the side ready and waiting


2. In a food processor, chop the pineapple until it's almost at a paste like consistency, pour into glass bowl


3. Place macadamia nuts in food processor and pulse until finely chopped, pour into glass bowl


4. Pour coconut into glass bowl and blend the ingredients together


5. Add the honey and sea salt and using some elbow grease blend and squeeze everything together until it sticks


6. Roll into 12 balls and place onto parchment paper OR dehydrator screen, flatten into the shape of a cookie


7. Place in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the chews to harden OR if you have a dehydrator, set it at 105 and dehydrate for 5 hours

COMMENTS:  I love using my dehydrator for this treat, it removes any excess water and gives it more of a chewy cookie texture, but if you don't have one or just don't want to lug it out you can refrigerate the chews until they harden. Either way they taste great!

           

          Sign-Up for monthly newsletters 
         and receive my FREE eBook