This gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free delicious spread has no refined sugar, no vegetable oil, no emulsifiers, and no preservatives. Containing plenty of protein and healthy fats, this is a guilt-free treat for all. It is also ideal for kids to take to school.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw sunflower seeds

• 1 ½ tbsp. pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 tbsp. coconut oil

• ½ cup coconut milk (or alternative)

Instructions

1. Toast sunflower seeds over medium heat, stir frequently to avoid burning. Let it cool.

2. Blend in a food processor until thick and creamy.

3. Add remaining ingredients and blend.

4. Store in an airtight container for up to 30days in the refrigerator.

This is a modified version of a recipe from www.momables.com. With my love of sunflowers, my kids appropriately renamed it SUNELLA! (mix of Sunflower and Nutella)

Check out this ‘homemade’ video that I made with the help of my artistic husband, to see what’s in the popular commercial nut and chocolate spreads you might buy in the supermarket. Compare these to what this healthy homemade spread offers.