The older I get the more I find myself gravitating towards making healthier choices regarding my eating and exercise habits and over all lifestyle. In the world of western civilization where flavor is compromised with extremely high levels of sodium, sugar, and who knows how to pronounce the new chemicals they come up with for longer shelf life preservation and convenience is compromised with quality based on budget limitation I’ve decided to share one of my favorite go to snacks …. No bake, gluten free, chocolate fudge date brownies.
The star ingredient, Dates, have proven health benefits including being high in fiber, high in antioxidants, a great source of potassium, copper (which helps make red blood cells and sustain the health of our immune system and nerve cells), may reduce sugar absorption, and can also help with weight management. Plus they’re naturally sweet which overall makes them a great substitute for sugar.
Ingredients
1 cup and a half of pitted medjool dates
1 and 1/3 cups of chopped nuts.
Side Note: I personally prefer walnuts but any nut can do. It you suffer from nut allergy you can substitute nuts for dried coconut flakes, coconut flower, or even shelled sunflower seeds (the possibilities are endless)
2 table spoons of cocoa powder
And a pinch of sea salt for taste (optional)
*Optional Chocolate Topping*
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
1 teaspoon of olive oil (or butter)
Place dates, nuts (or nut substitute of choice), cocoa powder, and pinch of salt in food processor and pulsate until everything combines in almost a dirt like consistency. In a lightly greased 8×8 square baking pan press combined ingredients into the pan.
In a small saucepan or microwaveable dish add cup of chocolate chips and teaspoon of olive oil on low heat stirring as the chips melt and combine together. If using the microwave take out every 20 seconds and stir until completely melted. Once completely melted pour over the pressed ingredients in baking pan and refrigerate for 30 min. Once completely cooled cut into even squares, and enjoy. Personally, I individually wrap them in cellophane (plastic wrap) and store them in the fridge. They have similar flavor and consistency of the infamous little Debby wrapped brownies that usually have the m&ms or chopped nuts on top.
Enjoy!
Leave a Reply