We're having a big family get-together here and I've been making up a few goodies to serve, including these Nutty Carob Rice Squares. The recipe is based on one found at Alive.com and I've basically followed along but have added crisp brown rice.

Original Recipe and Instructions: Nutty Carob Squares from Alive

I used a 9x13" baking pan for my doubled batch and included the following ingredients:

• 2 cups ground nuts - almonds, pecans and cashews
• 1 cup roasted carob powder
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups crisp brown rice cereal
• dessicated coconut, unsweetened, for topping

Notes: Fingertips dipped into water makes pressing the stiff mixture into the pan quite a bit easier. I've also made a separate batch of the squares using shelled hemp seeds as part of the ground nut mixture which is nice, but no need to grind the hemp. I got about 50-60 small squares out of my 9x13" pan.

Comments (6)

VeggieGirl said:

You KNOW that I'm a carob fanatic, so I'm all over those rice-squares - yum!! They'll for sure be a hit at that party you're making them for!!

May 06, 2008 | website

CassieYoung said:

Hi VeggieGirl! I do know you love carob! I've found that original Nutty Carob Squares recipe to be quite versatile and have successfully used various ingredients with it and played with the proportions as well and they always come out great! So if you make 'em, feel free to play around with the recipe and let me know what you did!

May 10, 2008 | website

HealthFreak! said:

These sound delicious! They almost seem as if they could be a Cliff Bar flavor! Just to clarify...this recipe is the "healthified" version, right? Any suggestions as to how to improve their nutritional value? Can't wait to try them!

June 09, 2008

CassieYoung said:

Hi HealthFreak! I wouldn't say this is a healthier version of the original, just slightly different. I've used the original recipe, but doubled the batch and added 1 1/2 cups of crisp rice in place of what would have otherwise been an additional cup of nuts. To answer your question about improving the nutritional value of the recipe: I'm sure there are ways to accomplish that. However, I think different people may have different ideas on what would constitute a better nutritional profile based on individual needs, goals, desires, etc. I'm not an expert on nutrition, but perhaps I (or some readers) could offer a few ideas if there is something in particular you have in mind. You might also check out my Breakfast Bar recipes if you're interested in bar recipe of a different sort. There are also two different variations linked at the bottom of the post. Thanks for your comment and question!

June 11, 2008 | website

luvhealthycakes said:

i made this yesterday and fridged for overnite, ate this arvo, it was delicious. to be honest, i was carob virgin, told so many people, cabob was s&#t. but actually, very nice. i didn't think it's substitute for chocolate, taste more like black treacle to me. yes, i'll keep experliment on using carob .

June 18, 2008

CassieYoung said:

Thanks for the note, luvhealthycakes! I'm glad to hear you liked it.

June 20, 2008 | website

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