Nutty Slices with Strawberry Chia Jam

Nutty Slices with Strawberry Chia Jam is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of nuts with the sweetness of strawberry chia jam. This dessert is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like yourself, and it’s a wonderful addition to any collection of recipes.

History:
The history of Nutty Slices with Strawberry Chia Jam is a tale of innovation and creativity in the kitchen. Nuts have been a popular ingredient in many traditional desserts for centuries, and the addition of strawberry chia jam brings a modern twist to this classic combination. While there may not be a specific historical account of this exact recipe, it’s likely that creative cooks and bakers have been experimenting with variations of nut-based desserts for generations.

Components:

1. Nutty Slice Base:

   • 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
   • 1 cup dates, pitted
   • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
   • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • A pinch of salt

2. Strawberry Chia Jam:

   • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
   • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
   • 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
   • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Prepare:
Note: This recipe may take a bit of time but is well worth the effort.

Nutty Slice Base:

1. Place the mixed nuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped.
2. Add the pitted dates, shredded coconut, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor.
3. Blend everything together until the mixture becomes sticky and starts to come together.
4. Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
5. Press the nut and date mixture firmly into the dish to form an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.

Strawberry Chia Jam:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and honey or maple syrup over medium heat.
2. Cook the strawberries, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and become soft (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds and vanilla extract.
4. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, and then transfer it to a glass jar or container.
5. Place the strawberry chia jam in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour.

Assembly:

1. Once the nutty slice base has set, remove it from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Spread a layer of the strawberry chia jam over the nutty base.
3. Cut the assembled dessert into slices or squares.

Total Time Needed:

• Preparation: 30-40 minutes
• Chilling time for the jam: 1 hour
• Assembly: 10-15 minutes

The total time needed to prepare Nutty Slices with Strawberry Chia Jam is approximately 1 hour and 40-55 minutes, but the result is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for those with a taste for sophistication and gourmet delights. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Certainly, let’s delve into the nutrition facts and health information for Nutty Slices with Strawberry Chia Jam:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal (calories may vary based on serving size and ingredients)
• Total Fat: 13-15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3g
• Sodium: 15-20mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4-5g
  • Sugars: 17-20g
• Protein: 4-5g
• Vitamin C (from strawberries): 30-40% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 8-10% of the DV
• Calcium: 3-4% of the DV

Health Information:

1. Good Source of Healthy Fats: Nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can have a positive impact on heart health when consumed in moderation.

2. Dietary Fiber: Both the nutty slice base and the chia seeds in the jam provide dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Antioxidants: Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, especially vitamin C. Antioxidants help protect your body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Low in Sodium: This dessert is relatively low in sodium, which is beneficial for those watching their sodium intake, as excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

5. Natural Sugars: The sweetness in this dessert primarily comes from natural sources like dates, honey, and strawberries, making it a better option than desserts with refined sugars.

6. Protein: While not a significant source of protein, this dessert does provide some protein, which is essential for various bodily functions.

7. Calcium and Iron: While not exceptionally high, this dessert contains small amounts of calcium and iron, contributing to overall mineral intake.

Health Tips:

• Enjoy Nutty Slices with Strawberry Chia Jam in moderation due to its calorie content.
• Nuts are calorie-dense, so be mindful of portion sizes.
• The dietary fiber in this dessert can help you feel full, making it a satisfying treat.
• The natural sugars in this dessert are a better choice than refined sugars, but still, limit your intake for overall health.
• Strawberries provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being.

Remember that specific nutrition values can vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving sizes used, so it’s advisable to calculate precise nutritional information if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.