Raw, Delicious and Good for You Brownies

I have always had a sweet tooth. But, instead of fighting it,  I have come to terms that it will always be this way! I place full responsibility on my Grandmother. As far as she was concerned, all of life's problems could be solved over a pot of tea and a plate of cookies. But all that fat, sugar and flour is really bad for me. So the trick is to a) not go over board on the sweets and b) find ways to trick our taste buds into eating wholesome foods disguised as sweets. I came across a recipe that looked good.  I started to try it but then as usual I went off and did my own thing. This is a really easy and quick raw brownie that is packed with whole foods. It is vegan and free of refined sugar, dairy, wheat and added fat.

The recipe was inspired by: Minimalist Baker

For the brownie

1c nut of your choice walnuts and pecans work well

1c pumpkin seeds, raw

2/3c cocoa or raw cacao

2/3c dried fruit of your choice I used cranberries

2 tbsp. hemp seeds

1 tsp salt

30 plump dates. If your dates are on the dry side I soak mine in liquid for a few minutes until they soften up. Coffee works really good!

Topping

1/2c vegan chocolate chips or regular ones if that's what you have on hand

1 tbsp. coconut oil

Let's Make this!!

1. Grease a 9x9 pan (or whatever size you have) with some coconut oil

2. In a food processor pulse the nuts and seeds for the brownie until you have a fine crumb

3. Add in everything EXCEPT the dates and combined

4. Now its time to add in the dates and give 'er! You will get this great crumbly sticky mixture

5. Dump into prepped pan and press down, pop into the freezer for a few minutes

While your brownies are in the freezer

melt chocolate chips and coconut oil

Once the brownie is firm spread the chocolate mixture and smooth over

The goodies on top

I am a big fan of use what you have on hand rather than following the rules and this brownie recipe is great for this. On top of the chocolate,  spread whatever nut, seed, chip, dried fruit you have or want to add. I added cranberries, hemp, chia, walnuts and a few vegan chocolate chips! Be creative there are no rules!! Chill for another 20 ish minutes then let's eat!!