Vegan peppermint slice

makes / 24 prep / 13 hours 30 minutes cook / 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 tbsp white quinoa

2 1⁄2 tbsp coconut oil

90g (1 cup) rolled oats

2 tbsp raw cacao powder

100g fresh dates, pitted, chopped

PEPPERMINT FILLING:

290g (2 cups) cashews

140ml can coconut milk

100g ( 1⁄4 cup) rice malt syrup

20g ( 1⁄4 cup) desiccated coconut

2 tbsp coconut oil

2 tsp peppermint extract

CHOCOLATE TOPPING:

50g ( 1⁄2 cup) raw cacao powder, sifted

185g ( 1⁄2 cup) rice malt syrup

110g ( 1⁄2 cup) coconut oil

1. For the peppermint filling, place the cashews in a glass or ceramic bowl and cover with cold water. Stand for 4 hours. Drain well.

2. Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Grease the base and sides of a 16 x 26cm (base measurement) slice pan and line with baking paper. Toss quinoa and 1 tsp melted coconut oil together in a bowl. Spread the oats and quinoa mixture over prepared tray. Bake, stirring halfway, for 8-10 minutes or until golden. Cool completely. Process the oat mixture and cacao in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add dates and remaining coconut oil. Process until well combined and a sticky mixture forms. Press into prepared pan. Place in the fridge for 1 hour or until firm.

3. Process cashews in the food processor until smooth. Add 2 tbs thick coconut milk from the top of the can (reserve remainder for another use). Add syrup, desiccated coconut, coconut oil and extract. Process well, scraping the sides, until well combined. Spread over oat base and use a spatula to smooth the surface. Place in the fridge for 2 hours or until firm.

4. For the chocolate topping, place ingredients in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes or until mixture thickens and comes together. 5. Pour topping over filling. Smooth the surface. Place in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight to set. Cut slice into 24 squares.