These Raw Brownie Bites are a fix. They are a fix for a quick snack. They are a fix for something with chocolate flavour. And they are a fix if you are craving something sweet but not overly sweet. And if you are looking for a treat without the trappings of the ‘H’ word in front of it to make you roll your eyes, this is your fix. The ‘H’ word is healthy. Oh, and a good friend of mine would not forgive me if I do not mention that these Raw Brownie Bites are also gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly. That’s a lot of freeness. LOL.
As you know, I don’t have a sweet tooth but there are specific things I enjoy occasionally, when my mind calls for them; things like Trifle, Sweet Rice (kheer), and Bread Pudding. I was encouraged to try this recipe because I have fallen in love with a brownie made and served at a Café over here that I go to occasionally. The brownie comes served in a small, still-warm cast iron skillet, it is fudgy and decadent. Whenever I order it, I skip the “dressings and toppings” that come with it – vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and cocoa bits; that’s over-the-top sweetness for me, I just want the brownie; I do not want anything else to interfere with it. The brownie has just the right amount of sweetness, it is not overly sweet, and I think that that is one of the reasons I am also attracted to it. Generally, I do not ever finish my desserts, a couple of spoons or forks full and I am done. But with the brownie, I finish it all.
As we age, our taste buds can change – things that we never used to like or eat, we suddenly find ourselves craving and vice versa. I find that these days, occasionally, I need a hint of sweetness, either as a snack or after eating certain things for my meal. These Raw Brownie Bites give me that sweet fix without feeling that I need to walk an extra mile or ride an extra 20 minutes on the stationary bike. And because they are rolled into small balls, I can have one and be completely satiated and satisfied. I make them and keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they last for weeks (mainly because I only eat one when I feel like and that is not often). However, when I make the Raw Brownie Bites for friends, they are gone within a 24-hour period.
Six ingredients are all you need and there is no cooking involved. The only equipment you will need is a food processer to mix everything together. Here goes.
INGREDIENTS
• 1½ cups walnuts
• 1 heaped cup pitted dates, chopped coarsely
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• A pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Add the nuts to a food processor and pulse until the nuts resemble fine grains
2. Add the rest of ingredients and process until the mixture begins to clump. Test it by taking a bit of the mixture between your thumb and index finger and press it; it should hold together.
3. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time, squeeze together and gently rolls into balls.
4. Eat/serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
NOTES
Lightly rub your hands with oil if you find the mixture sticky as you roll.
The recipe yields 18 but to make more, simply double the amount of ingredients.
Enjoy.
Cynthia
cynthia@tasteslikehome.org
