Chocolate-Fig Freezer Fudge

I have thought long and hard about posting this recipe. As Kelly said to me yesterday when I confessed my dilemma, “Every good cook needs a secret recipe!” And I agreed: This fudge is so unbelievably good, I don’t know what I would change about it; it would surely create explosions at every gathering I bring it to, with every guest I serve it to, and every time I get caught sneaking into the freezer for just one more bite; it would truly be my secret weapon. 

But there is one thing that would make it even better, if you can believe it. The common denominator in the aforementioned scenarios is the aspect of shared experience. Sharing with those I care about, letting them in on my little secret, watching their reactions as they bite into the soft, smooth, creamy decadence that is this fudge, the unexpected glee on their faces and shock when they find out that it is completely raw, completely vegan, completely free of added sugar, completely healthy and just... perfect. 

Sharing good food with people I care about is probably my favorite thing in the world. I love all of YOU, the readers of this blog, because you make it what it is: a place for exchange. I’m not just talking to myself here; although sometimes it may seem like it. No, I’m talking to you, and I adore the conversations we have. And so, it is my distinct honor to let you in on the best recipe to emerge from my kitchen since, well, forever. 

This fudge is a representation of the entire meaning behind The Chocolate Fig. Not only does it contain both figs and raw cacao, my favorite foods in the world, but it is a perfect example of what makes something indulgently healthy; buttery, creamy, smooth on the tongue, slightly bitter but mellowed by the figs’ seductive sweetness and a pinch of sea salt. It is perfectly balanced, euphoria-inducing, and everything fudge should be: rich and oh so decadent. 

The star of the show is the coconut oil: Naturally solid and creamy at room temperature, like butter, it holds the rest of the ingredients together and maintains a fudgy texture even straight from the freezer. Make sure you buy organic, extra-virgin coconut oil. Avocado may be a surprise ingredient to some of you, but it is very well-masked by the other flavors and is essential for a smooth and rich bite. 

What else can I say? Just one thing: Make this, and while you’re at it, smile.

Chocolate Fig Freezer Fudge :: Makes 1 8x8 square pan

1 cup dried Mission figs, reconstituted in hot water
1 avocado, pitted 
1 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup raw cacao powder (start here, and add more if you like a deeper chocolate flavor)
pinch or two of fine sea salt

1. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with wax paper. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, puree figs, with a bit of their soaking water, to desired consistency. I prefer a smoother and syrupy puree, but feel free to leave it a bit chunkier. Measure out 1 cup of fig puree  (in a liquid measuring cup) and set aside.
3. Clean the food processor, then scoop avocado meat into the base and puree until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Measure out 1/2 cup of avocado puree and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, gently whisk coconut oil and avocado puree until combined and smooth. Too much friction will cause the coconut oil to melt, and you want it to stay softly solid and fluffy. Add fig puree and incorporate, then add cacao powder and sea salt. You may have to switch to mixing with a spatula at this point, gently folding the cacao into the batter. 
5. Scrape batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top. Lick the spoon, spatula and bowl. Place in the freezer and wait as long as you can; it solidifies almost immediately, so you really won’t have to wait very long. I’d give it 10 minutes just to be safe. Slice into squares and serve; store leftovers in the freezer.