Power Through "Nutcracker" with Jenelle Manzi's Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Energy Fudge and Maple Bars
Ballet and baking have more in common than their first two letters. As in the studio, sometimes you attempt something new in the kitchen and it works out great.
And, sometimes, it fails spectacularly—an outcome that New York City Ballet corps member Jenelle Manzi is no stranger to in baking. “The first time I tried to make vanilla cupcakes with this strawberry rose frosting, I was using essential rose oil,” she recalls, “I put two drops in an entire batch of icing and I realized I needed about a quarter of a drop. They tasted like perfume. They were completely inedible.”
Manzi has since mastered her strawberry rose frosting’s delicate flavor balance, as well as plenty of other recipes for healthy snacks and indulgent treats. She cut gluten out of her diet out of necessity, but she’s a passionate proponent for conscious eating whether or not you have certain allergies or intolerances. Her recipes are full of wholesome, nutritious ingredients to power her busy life at NYCB, particularly during Nutcracker season (during which she runs the snow scene as many as four times in one day in rehearsal and performance!).
While you’ll find plenty of picture-perfect recipes on her website and Instagram, Manzi shared two treats exclusively for Pointe readers: “Two delicious ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your energy levels during the busy Nutcracker season!”
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Energy Fudge spiked with Spirulina
Courtesy Manzi
This recipe is inspired by the fond memories I have of getting peppermint hot chocolate before ballet class when I was younger. I’ve always loved the flavor combination of chocolate and mint, particularly around the holidays. These drinks unfortunately tend to be loaded with sugar, which is not always the best thing for a dancer’s energy levels. With this fudge, I tried to lower the sugar content so that it still tastes decadent, but it does not give you the quick energy spike and dreaded crash afterwards. I also added a tablespoon of spirulina to give it a little extra nutritional boost!
Ingredients:
9-10 oz unsweetened good quality chocolate (Scharffen Berger is a good choice)
¾ cup nut butter (try cashew, almond, pumpkin etc.)
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup maple syrup
3 medjool dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tbs spirulina powder
2 tbs arrowroot starch/flour
1 tbs cacao nibs for topping
Method:
- Line a 9×5 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a double boiler or makeshift double boiler (bowl set on top of a pot) melt the chocolate and coconut oil until silky smooth.
- Next, add the nut butter, maple syrup, dates, vanilla, peppermint, salt, spirulina, and arrowroot into the food processor.
- Carefully pour in the melted chocolate mixture and mix everything until smooth and thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- If the mixture is too thick, simply thin with a touch more maple syrup or coconut oil.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Smooth out the top, and sprinkle with cacao nibs (optional).
- Place your fudge in the freezer for about 20 minutes to allow it to set. Cut into small even squares and either enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator for about 1 week. You can also store the fudge in the freezer for up to a month. The fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature!
Cranberry Macadamia Maple Bars
Courtesy Manzi
These bars are naturally sweet, a touch salty, and reminiscent of my favorite cookie combination – white chocolate cranberry macadamia! While the search continues for dairy and refined sugar free white chocolate chips to add to the recipe, these bars combine healthy fats with an abundance of satisfying flavors that are perfect for a quick midday pick me up!
Ingredients:
1½ cups chopped macadamia nuts
½ cup chopped cashew
½ cup chopped pumpkin seeds
½ cup of puffed brown rice finely ground
1 cup puffed brown rice
1 tbs ground flaxseed
½ cup brown rice syrup
2 tbs coconut butter
1-2 tbs maple sugar
2 tbs lucuma (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
¼ tsp sea salt
⅓ cup dried cranberry
**If you’re feeling more indulgent, you can add in some white chocolate chips
Method:
1. Set oven to 350°F
2. Prepare a square 9″ glass baking dish lined with parchment paper
3. Mix all of the dry ingredients together (besides lucuma powder) in a large bowl.
4. Using a double boiler or saucepan, add in your brown rice syrup, coconut butter, lucuma, and vanilla – warm and stir until they are silky smooth.
5. Spoon the caramel-like mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with your hands until fully combined.
6. Split into two batches and press each batch as flat as possible into the baking dish.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Let cool slightly and cut into rectangular bars.
