RAW PECAN AND WALNUT CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

These raw chocolate brownies are so indulgent and are very easy to make (no baking involved). They're perfect to nibble on after all the festive indulging, as they satisfy the strongest sweet craving, without the guilt attached. 

I've used cacao powder, since it is bursting with nutritional benefits. It contains 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries, is loaded with magnesium, iron and calcium and acts a natural anti-depressant! You can obtain it online (Amazon) or in any health food shops, I bought mine from Holland and Barrett. If you can't get your hands on cacao, then a high quality cocoa powder will also work, although you may need to use more as it's not quite as strong as cacao and it doesn't obtain all the nutritional benefits.

Medjool dates are naturally very sweet and gooey, which is why they work so well in desserts. They also hold numerous health benefits, as they are high in fibre and amino acids, which is essential to keep our digestive system functioning properly. 

What do you guys think of these? I'd love to see some of your creations. 

Ingredients:

1 cup medjool dates - destoned 
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup pecans 
¼ cup cacao powder
1 tbsp. coconut oil
Pinch of unrefined salt - I used Himalayan

Frosting:

¼  cup coconut oil
1 tbsp. cacao powder
2 tbsp. pure maple syrup / honey
Pinch of unrefined salt
Sprinkle with crushed nuts, cacao nibs and desiccated coconut - optional 

Method:

For the base, blitz the walnuts and pecans in a food processor for a few seconds (remove a handful of crushed nuts for the topping), then add the dates, cacao powder, coconut oil and salt and blitz until combined. It should start to form into a big ball.

Place combined ingredients in a lined tin and freeze whilst you make the frosting.

For the frosting, mix together all the 'frosting' ingredients in a bowl, until combined. It should form into a thick chocolate paste. 

Remove the base from the freezer and using a spatular or the back of a spoon, smother the base with the chocolate frosting.

Sprinkle some crushed nuts, raw cacao nibs and desiccated coconut to top.  

Place in the fridge for approx. 30 minutes to harden and enjoy!