Raw Cacao Brownies

This is for all of my choc-o-holic friends. This is devilishly chocolaty and filled with amazing nutrients and high in anti-oxidants! Chocolate is super good for you!

Research and published studies show that chocolate can:

  • Lower your risk of heart disease
  • Enhance your immune system
  • Fend off diabetes
  • Fight cholesterol
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Enhance blood flow
  • Fight fat
  • Improve cognitive health
  • Slow aging
  • Enhance physical energy, stamina and vitality
  • Act as a safe and effective aphrodisiac

How can raw cacao do all of these marvelous things for us? Its easy, raw cacao is rich in iron, which assists in the process of respiration as it carries oxygen throughout the body. This helps with circulation, lowering the instances of heart disease, enhancing blood flow, which in turn improves cognitive health, physical energy and helps with stamina and vitality. An iron deficiency creates a low level of oxygen in the blood. This results in people feeling light-headed, tired, weak and interestingly enough an intolerance to cold which is a sign of poor blood flow.

Another great benefit to raw cacao is manganese, it  plays an important role in the formation of cartilage, bone and connective tissue. This ability to form and rebuild tissue helps slow the aging process. Awesome!

Raw Cacao Brownies:

Base:

1-3/4 cups almonds (ground to a flour in food processor)

1 cup raw cacao

1/2+ cup maple syrup or agave

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

8 drops (not droppers) of Chocolate Stevia for extra sweetness.

Dash of Himalayan salt to taste

Coconut oil (for bottom of brownie pan)

Frosting: 

2 avocados

1/2 cup maple syrup or agave or raw honey

1/2 cup raw cacao

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Prepare Frosting:  Blend ingredients in food processor until smooth and creamy (if you need to add a little more maple syrup or water to get a smooth consistency).

To Prepare Brownie Base: Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix until ingredients start to stick together. You may need to add a little water or a little more almond flour to get the right consistency.

In your 6 x 6 brownie pan, spread coconut oil on the bottom and on the sides to prevent brownies from sticking.

Take brownie “batter” and press it into your pan.

Once you have your brownies pressed nicely into the pan, spread your delicious frosting on top, sprinkle a some coconut flakes on top and serve! This is so delicious by itself you you may have a cup of chai tea with it or even add fresh raspberries or figs.

These brownies are so delicious even your non-vegan friends will love them!

Love, peace and bliss,

Michelle

Encourage and Inspire

Every time words are spoken, something is created. Be conscious of what you say and how you say it. Use words that build up, appreciate, encourage and inspire.
~Lucy MacDonald

When you climb to the top of the obstacle that is blocking your view, you are able to look at your situation from a different perspective. ~Lucy MacDonald

PomTini

The word pomegranate means “many-grained apple”.
Eat the pomegranate, for it purges the system of hatred and envy. –Muhammad
 
This drink is a real crowd pleaser!

  • PomTini
  • Makes 2-3 servings
  • 1 cup fresh pomegranate , or cranberry juice, strained (fresh juice will produce a cloudier drink than bottled)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 cup dry organic white wine, or sparkling wine
  • ½ cup dry sake
  • 3 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed is the best!
Combine ingredients and shake with ice in a martini shaker, strain and serve in martini glasses. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig (remove lower needles and skewer fruit of choice).

Pomegranates promote the production of red blood cells; expel tapeworms; strengthen the bladder (especially for the elderly) and the gums; and soothe ulcers in the mouth and throat. The peel is used as a home remedy for treating chronic dysentery. A kitchen remedy for burning eyes is to place a drop of pomegranate juice in each eye before sleeping.
Pomegranates reduce pitta and kapha.
We have so much to be thankful for! My girls and I are spending the weekend in Bigfork, MT because they are dancing in the Northwest Ballet Companies annual Nutcracker Ballet. It is sure to be a magical weekend for all! Hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love you all!
Michelle