Carob is often miscategorized as a replacement for chocolate – but in truth it’s much more. Carob, collected from the pods of the tropical carob tree, is naturally sweeter and somewhat healthier than chocolate, but has a rich, nutty taste all its own. Whip up some carob treats this weekend and see for yourself!

Carob No Bake Cookies
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup evaporated milk or milk
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1/2 cup carob chips
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, bring sugar, butter and milk to a full boil. Boil for 1 minute. Meanwhile, put oats, chips, peanut butter and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Pour hot sugar mixture over the oat mixture and stir well. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen cookies. Recipe may be doubled.

Carob Dog Treats
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 tbsp. peanut butter
1 large egg
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup applesauce
2/3 cup beef or chicken broth
1 Tbsp. pure honey
1 tsp. molasses
Ungreased baking sheet
Wire rack
1 cup carob chips
Small saucepan
Waxed paper

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Put 2 1/4 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup of wheat germ in a small bowl. Stir in 1 Tbsp. of peanut butter, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of applesauce, 2/3 cup of chicken or beef broth, 1 Tbsp. of pure honey and 1 tsp. of molasses. Turn the dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead it for two to three minutes. Roll or press the dough to a thickness of about 1/4-inch and cut it into rectangles or biscuit shapes. Place the dog treats on an ungreased baking sheet and bake them for 30 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Melt 1 cup of carob chips in a small saucepan and dip each cooled treat into the melted mixture. Put the carob dog chips on a piece of waxed paper to set up.

Strawberry Carob Smoothie
1 cup carob
1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen or raspberries
1 medium banana
1 teaspoon organic maple syrup
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth and creamy. Drink as is or chill before drinking. The smoothie can also be frozen in freeze pop containers.