Raw Hazelnut Brownies

This is my column as it appeared in the May 7th edition of The Hinton Voice. 

[Not only is this recipe raw, vegan, and gluten free… it’s also delicious.

I know, right?  How on earth could a healthy brownie made with only 4 ingredients that doesn’t include butter, sugar, or flour taste that great?  Well dear readers, I’m here to tell you that these brownies are every bit as good as their sugary baked counterparts.  In fact, this recipe satisfies even your most die-hard chocolate lovers.  Even friends of mine that despise all things healthy can’t get enough of the rich fudgy flavour of these decadent treats!

Not only do raw brownies make an excellent healthy snack, they are packed with protein (over 5 grams per brownie!) and tons of fibre (7 grams!) making them great for a pre-workout energy boost.  They are even great for breakfast, and best of all, they are very easy and quick to put together. 

The dough holds together extremely well, making them ideal for raw brownie truffles, energy bites, or even the fudgy center of a homemade ice cream cake. 

They are also great in the summer when the thought of turning your oven on is too much to bear and you’re looking for a rich and decadent treat.

These brownies are chalk full of healthy ingredients that you can not only feel good about eating, but feel great about serving your family too.]

Recipe makes a dozen brownies

Ingredients

- 1-500 g package dates

- 1 cup raw hazelnuts

- 1 cup raw walnuts

- ¾ cup raw cacao (cocoa powder works just as well)

Frosting (double if you like lots of icing)

- 2 tbsp coconut oil

- 2 tbsp raw cocao/cocoa powder

- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, rice syrup, etc.)

- 1 tsp vanilla

- 1 cup icing sugar

- 1-2 tbsp milk of choice

Directions

If dates are fresh, skip to the next step.  If dates are dry, soak in 1 cup warm water for 10 minutes, drain, then proceed with recipe.

In a food processor, blend hazelnuts and walnuts until fine.  Transfer to a medium bowl and combine with cocoa powder.  Set aside.

Transfer dates to food processer and pulse until smooth.  Add nut mixture and blend until ingredients are a dough-like consistency.

Press dough into a pan and chill for at least ½ hour

When dough is chilled, combine icing ingredients and using a whisk (or fork), whip until smooth.

Frost brownies and serve.

- Nutritional Info (per brownie) -

Calories – 254    Fat - 9    Carbs – 29     Protein - 5   Fibre - 7

Enjoy!