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Rocking Rocky Road - Dairy free



Ever had the idea for a recipe stuck in your head, but can't remember where it came from.  I spent over an hour yesterday, searching the Internet for a similar recipe that I could adapt.  Only to eventually find the recipe I was looking for in one of my own cookbooks. 

I got the cookbook a few years ago from a friend for Christmas.  She got it for me because it had a section on "Free From" and healthy cookies.  

The recipe I was looking for 

 - Rocky road Wedges



"Free from Gluten and wheat, these crumbly wedges contain homemade popcorn in place of broken cookies, which are the classic ingredient in no-bake cookies such as this"

 I went one further and made the recipe dairy free by using vegan chocolate.  

 Why no marshmallows?  - I don't use marshmallows as they are made with Bovine or pig derived gelatin, so there not vegetarian friendly.  Iv also yet to find a great free from friendly brand. 
First step:-

 Take 1 oz / 25 grams of popcorn kernels, apply heat and turn them into popcorn.  

 You can either use your microwave or pop in a saucepan over a medium heat.  

 Once popped leave to cool, then crush 1/2 of the popcorn into smaller pieces.  
Second step:-

  Take 150 grams / 5 oz Dairy free chocolate
25 grams / 1 oz Vegan Butter

 Optional:  I also added 1 tablespoon of syrup.  

and place in a double boiler to melt together over a medium heat.
Third Step:- 

 While your chocolate's melting, line the base of a 7 inch baking pan with greaseproof paper or cling film.  I find  oiling the baking pan helps keep the greaseproof paper from moving too much.  

 Then pick what additions you want to use to personalise your rocky road wedges. The recipe recommends add 75 grams / 3 oz Vanilla fudge - diced.

  Most supermarkets in the UK stock Fabulous Fudge Company's dairy free Fudge in there 'Free From' section.  

 If you don't like fudge, you could add nuts , dried fruit or dairy free chocolate chips instead.  I went with Dried dates, there's a reason it's called natures candy.  There chewy and have a great caramel taste.  
Fourth Step:- 

 Add the popcorn into a bowl and pour over the melted chocolate.  Sprinkle in your additions and fold everything together.  

 At first it doesn't seem that you have enough chocolate, but keep going till every popcorn kernel is covered.

 Pour into lined baking tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon.  Let it set in your fridge for 30 min's before cutting into piece.

 Fifth step: - EAT!!!!
Whoever came up with the idea of using popcorn instead of cookies was a genius.  The crunchy popcorn is a great contrast to the chocolate, as dairy free versions often taste like Dark Chocolate.  Then every so often you get a bite of chewy date.  
I love this recipe and Iv a feeling my friends and family are going to love it too xxxx

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