Vanilla Slice

My husband has a bit of a rough time. He works relentlessly then comes home, to us.
To me, my messy home and endless questions, to Lu, who follows him everywhere asking, ‘When are we going outside?’ ‘When are we playing?’ ‘What are we playing?’ As well as the gorgeous, but very fragile little man.
So today he pulled the pin. He declared enough. He wasn’t spending the day picking up after me, playing snakes and ladders or consoling the boy. He was heading out. Alone.  Going wherever he wants to go, doing whatever he wants to do and returning whenever he feels like it.
There is no denying that he earns it. I kissed him goodbye and smiled as he drove away.
That was four hours ago.
Now I want to ring to him. I want to say ‘Hey, what have you been up too? Have you had fun?’ But I know I mustn’t. He knows it will be killing me.
To pass the time I made him a vanilla slice. I am sure he would rather I vacuum or iron, or do both. His day could be perfect! I best get to it.

Vanilla Slice

Base

2 and 1/2 cups desiccated coconut

10 medjool dates, seeds removed

1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Line a 20cm x 20cm cake tin with grease proof paper over hanging two of the sides to allow for easy removal.

Place the ingredients into your blender or food processor and blend at high speed until it is well combined and coming together.

Press the base mixture firmly into your prepared tin and place in the fridge or freezer to set.

Filling

2 cups raw cashews

1 cup desiccated coconut

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Place the cashews and coconut into your blender or food processor and blend until smooth and well combined. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined. Press the filling mixture firmly onto your base. Place in the fridge to set.

Icing

6 tablespoons coconut oil*

1 heaped tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract

*The coconut oil I used had completely liquefied with the heat. Below is exactly what I did to make my icing and it worked perfectly. If you are using solid but soft coconut oil just whip until you achieve the desired consistency and omit the setting in the fridge step.

Using a fork or spoon, combine the ingredients in a cup and place in the fridge for 15 – 20 minutes to thicken. Remove from the fridge and whip the mixture with a teaspoon or fork until it is a beautiful, perfect, creamy frosting consistency. Spread the icing thinly over your slice with the back of a spoon. Return to the fridge to set. Cut and enjoy!!!