The other day, I shared some stories from my readers about random acts of kindness and it really got me thinking. Being kind and putting someone else’s feelings above your own, especially those of someone you don’t know, takes a little extra effort. It might be inconvenient and it might mean making yourself a little uncomfortable, putting yourself out there where you otherwise wouldn’t do so. But it’s almost always worth the effort. One of the stories I received from my readers illustrates this perfectly. It was a little longer than the others so I saved it to share separately. It touched me deeply.

Vicki learned a lesson in kindness at a young age, when her father took her into their small town on Thanksgiving Day.  All the aunts and uncles, the whole extended family, were gathered at her house for the festivities, but her father had an important errand.  He went to town common, where a homeless man name Pete lived with his dog under the bandstand.  Vicki’s town was very small, and everyone knew Pete and typically avoided him.  But on that day, Vicki’s father invited Pete to share their Thanksgiving meal.

Pete had been through World War II and had suffered serious shell shock.  He felt uncomfortable around most people, preferring the company of his dog.  He tried to decline Vicki’s dad’s offer, but eventually he agreed, as long as he was allowed to eat in the kitchen and not in the big crowd of Vicki’s family.  So home they went with Pete, much to the consternation of several of Vicki’s aunts and uncles.

While the rest of the family ate in the dining room, Pete, Vicki and her father enjoyed their meal in the kitchen.  Vicki recalls this as the best Thanksgiving ever, laughing and talking with Pete, hearing his stories.  And afterward, when they dropped Pete back at the bandstand, there were tears in his eyes.  Vicki’s father also set up an account at the local eatery for Pete, so that whenever he needed a hot meal or a cup of coffee, he could go there.

So my husband mentioned offhand the other day how much he has always loved chocolate and coconut together.  Mounds Bars were a particular favourite of his growing up.  Instantly, I knew I wanted to make him a healthy sugar-free version, just to see him smile. Sometimes I express my love, and my kindness, in food.  That’s not a bad way to show some love, now is it?

Homemade Sugar-Free Mounds Bars and Acts of Kindness

Clusters of sweet coconut covered in rich dark chocolate. Making your own low carb, gluten-free Mounds Bars is easy and healthy.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Dessert

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Servings: 18 small bars

Calories: 167kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup Low Carb Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 oz cocoa butter
• 1/4 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 tsp coconut extract
• 4.5 oz high % cacao chocolate

Instructions

• Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the Low Carb Sweetened Condensed Milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in powdered sweetener until well combined and no clumps remain. Stir in shredded coconut and coconut extract.
• Spread mixture into prepared baking pan and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
• Remove from pan by lifting with the overhanging parchment. Cut into desired size and shape (I made 18 long, thin bars).
• Freeze bars for 30 minutes.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper.
• Melt chocolate in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Drop a frozen bar into melted chocolate and gently toss with a fork to cover. Remove and shake off excess chocolate, then place on prepared baking sheet.
• Repeat with remaining bars. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

Notes

Serves 18. Each serving has 4 g of carbs and 1 g of fiber. Total NET CARBS = 3 g.

167 Calories; 17g Fat (86.5% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 21mg Sodium

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Sugar-Free Mounds Bars and Acts of Kindness

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 167 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Cholesterol 22mg7%

Sodium 21mg1%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Protein 2g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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