Carob treats can provide outstanding nutrition, as well as delicious flavor! Carob is often used as a substitute for chocolate. If you’re looking for some excellent recipes, then we have great information here.
Carob Facts
Carob comes from the brown pod of the carob tree and is found in the Middle East. It is highly nutritious in vitamins and minerals and is great to include in elderly nutrition snacks. It has also been known as the locust bean or just locust. Eating locust and honey was also mentioned in the bible.
Using natural and healthy honey along with carob would indeed make a highly nutritious combination. Especially for dessert! We’re all looking for more healthy desserts, especially if our loved ones have elderly issues causing dietary problems, or if they need a nutritional boost.
Carob is naturally sweet, so use less sweetener in carob recipes. You can find it in the stores as a powder (similar to cocoa powder), as carob chips (similar to chocolate chips), or in syrup form.
There is another way, which requires buying fresh, dried carob beans. Wash, dry and ground them in an electric grinder to make your own carob powder. This is a laborious task but will be an interesting experience at the same time.
Carob Recipes
Here are a few really good carob recipes that you will love. Especially the first one.
No-Bake Carob Yummies
This is a yummy family recipe using carob chips instead of chocolate chips. This recipe calls for carob chips, which can be found in the natural foods section. It also calls for honey (raw honey is best) or pure maple syrup as a sweetener.
You need:
- 2 cups of carob chips
- ½ cup honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 2 Tablespoons of milk
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 3 cups oatmeal
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are great)
Grease an 8×8 cake pan with butter; glass is preferable for cutting and removing the bars later. Melt the following together slowly in a saucepan (the double boiler is best): carob chips, honey or syrup, milk, butter.
Put the oatmeal in a large mixing bowl. When the wet ingredients are melted and stirred together, add the mix to the oats. Then the nuts. Mix well. Press into a greased pan. Cut into squares while still warm. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. This is one of unique healthy snack recipes.
Chilled Carob Cream Pie
- Pre-baked pie shell
- 3/8 cup of carob powder
- 8 oz cream cheese
3/8 cup honey - 1 cup Half-and-Half
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 package of gelatin
Carob recipes wouldn’t be complete without pie! Blend everything together except the gelatin and water. Prepare the gelatin according to instructions. Basically, in a small pan, sprinkle the packet over ¼ cup cold water and let it sit for a minute. Then stir over low heat until totally dissolved.
Add this into the above mixture, along with the other ¼ cup cold water, and blend in well. Pour mixture into the pre-baked pie shell. Chill until set. Top with whipped cream, if desired. It’s also delicious with natural ice cream.
Carob Covered Strawberries
Carob dip is unsweetened because carob has its own natural sweetness. However, you can also add a few drops of honey or pure maple syrup to the carob chips after they’re melted. Just a little, or it’s too runny, and when the carob sets it may be a bit sticky. But that’s okay too if you don’t mind.
Process:
Put a cup or so of carob chips in a microwavable bowl. Many people prefer all-natural traditional methods when making carob recipes. So you can melt them the traditional way in a double boiler.
If you microwave — Microwave for about 30 seconds. Take out and stir. Then do this for 15 seconds, several times, until the chips are almost melted. Let the final lumps melt on their own. If you over-do it, the dip can get stiff. If so, add in a little milk, water, or even maple syrup.
Dipping — Add sprinkles or other decorations while the carob is still soft. Lay them on wax paper on a plate, and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.
Carob Mousse
Add a little whimsy to your carob recipes! (Follow the dipping directions above. Put the dipped berry on a piece of wax paper).
While the carob is still soft, press on candy for the nose and eyes (or whatever else you want to use). You can also use more carob dip as “glue” to attach some items. You can use a strip of red licorice for the tail (you can get natural kinds at the health food store). And the ears are sliced strawberries. If you slice the berries thick enough, you can also insert half a toothpick to help them stay on. But you could also use round flat candies instead. There are many options you can think of. When everything is attached, put it in the fridge to set.
Bouquets
You can also turn carob strawberries into lovely bouquets, as with regular chocolate covered strawberries. They make wonderful centerpieces, gifts, and give-aways too.
Carob Brownies
Cream together:
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup oil
Add in order:
- 3/8 teaspoon salt
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ cup carob powder
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or regular flour)
- ½ Tablespoon baking powder
Lastly, add in 1 cup chopped nuts.
Bake at 350 F degrees in a greased pan for 25 minutes or so. A very yummy carob recipe!
Carob Frosting or Dip
This carob recipe for the frosting is delicious on the brownies, above! It also makes a great dip for fresh and dried fruit, or nuts (fondue style).
Blend all ingredients smoothly together:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup non-instant milk
- ¼ cup carob powder
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 4 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Carob Raspberry Royale
The main feature of this dessert is the carob sauce. You can use the frosting/dip recipe above.
You can just melt a cup or half a cup of carob chips (depending on how much you need), and then add in a little milk and honey or maple syrup, even brandy! until it gets to the consistency that you want. After that, spoon it onto the dessert.
With “Royale” carob recipes, you can get as extravagant or simple as you’d like.
Next, spoon the carob sauce. You could also add in sliced fresh strawberries or any other fruit. Chopped nuts are also delicious. Then insert several large coconut pieces, with a bit more carob sauce over that. Lastly, it’s topped by whipped cream and a cherry.
Or add in natural ice cream. Perhaps a carob-covered strawberry instead of a cherry.
Carob S’Mores
Yes, you can use carob on S’mores instead of chocolate. Do this either one of two ways: by using a carob candy bar (as you would a chocolate bar), or by using the frosting recipe above.
As you probably know, S’moresare often made around a campfire or even a home fireplace in the wintertime. You only need a few ingredients…
* Carob bar, or frosting (instead of chocolate)
* Marshmallows (you can get natural types in a natural food store)
* Graham crackers (including natural)
* OR a flat cookie of your choice (like ginger)
If you’re using a carob candy bar, make the S’mores as usual, by roasting the marshmallows, then layering in on a graham cracker (or cookie), topped with your carob square.
If you’re using the carob frosting, spread it on the graham cracker (or cookie) first, then place the roasted marshmallow on top.
With age, certain health considerations restrict elderly from eating their favorite foods. At the same time, they cannot resist sweet cravings. Therefore, the above-mentioned recipes are intended to present a perfect balance of nutrition and deliciousness.
Furthermore, the recommended products outlined allow you to make favorite elderly dishes without comprising health. All of them are sugar-free, tested and verified products guaranteeing no harm to an elderly’s health and pack essential nutrients to help develop the body.
It is also a good idea to have a stock of nutritious snacks for your senior loved ones. For more ideas, you may check out our recommendations on Elderly Nutrition Snacks Easy to Stock and Grab.
If your elderly loved one find it difficult to eat alone, you may check out our Guide to Selecting Adaptive Dinnerware for Those Who Have Trouble Eating for the best tips and recommendations.