These brownies are at least as delicious as the most rich, unhealthy, gooey brownies I have ever eaten. Since I am a chocoholic of note, you can take my word for it. It is hard to believe that they are actually good for you. Because they are so rich, you will be satisfied with a couple of squares. And if you have all the ingredients at hand, they are ready to eat within 20 minutes, including cleaning up. They can be prepared in a large batch, cut up into bite-size pieces and kept in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer.

Ingredients

for the base:

• 2 cups raw dates
• 1 cup organic, raw cacao
• 1/4 cup raw almond (or other nut) butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• dash of Himalaya or sea salt
• 1 tablespoon raw honey, if dates are a bit dry

for the icing:

• 1 cup organic,  raw cacao paste
• 1/4 cup organic, raw, coconut oil (preferably the neutral tasting one)
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1 teaspoon natural vanilla paste or powder
• 1 teaspoon Himalaya or sea salt.

Method:

the base:

1. combine all ingredients in a power blender or food processor.
2. process the dough into a rich, thick paste with still enough body to be shaped
3. add some honey, if it is too stiff
4. press mixture into a baking dish

 

the icing:

1. place all ingredients in a double boiler
2. stirring constantly, melt over low heat until smooth and well combined
3. note: the mixture must not get too hot – you should be able to stick a finger in without burning yourself
4. pour icing over base
5. place in the fridge for 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes
6. with a sharp knife cut into squares, carefully lift out the pan and store in air-tight container

makes about 36 bite-size squares

ring the changes:

by adding one of the following to the icing:

1. a little finely chopped, dried chilli
2. finely chopped mint or spear mint leaves
3. a handful of goji berries or cranberries
4. a handful or raisins
5. some chopped almonds, walnuts or other nuts
6. or anything else that takes your fancy

(recipe adapted from ‘Raw Basics’ by Jenny Ross)