Frosted Raw Brownies for Anytime of Day

        So, I am still on this whole raw food kick. I have to confess that during this month I have really preferred the sweet and fruity dishes to the most (but not all) of the savory dishes I have prepared. Maybe this has something to do with my addiction to sweets, or maybe its that I have a serious addiction to baking. Let’s assume that its the latter, but either way I am just not the biggest fan of green vegetables. I used to really enjoy kale! Then I ate raw kale. Now I don’t like kale. I even turn up my nose to kale. I really feel like a four year old sometimes! 

        This past week I have been searching for a really yummy and dehydrator free raw brownie recipe. It has taken a little bit of work and I have actually experimented with a couple of recipes all of which turned out tasting “raw,” if you know what I mean. Today I discovered a way to convert the super healthy brownie recipes into a super healthy brownie recipe that taste like its bad for you! Awesome, I know! The secret to my success was the help of my new culinary lovers, dates! I simply added more dates to the recipe and voila! Delicious raw brownies that you can eat for dessert.... or breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

The blueberries and mint were just used as a garnish, but they also tasted fantastic with the brownies! 

What you need: 

• 1 cup raw almonds 
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup raw walnuts
• 2 cups pitted medjool dates
• 1/3 cup raw cocoa powder 
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

For the frosting:

• 1 avocado 
• 2-3 Tbsp raw agave nectar 
• 1 Tbsp raw cocoa powder 
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp water
• Pinch of sea salt 

What to do: 

1. In a food processor, add almonds and cashews and process until very fine 
2. Add walnuts and dates (adding a few at a time) until mixture becomes well combine and crumbly 
3. Add cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla, pulse until well combined 
4. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed with your fingers. If it doesn’t hold together try either adding a few drops of water or agave. 
5. Once you have mixture that will hold together, remove it from the processor and press into a brownie pan lined with parchment paper, then press it firmly to ensure the mixture holds.
6. Combine all of the frosting ingredients in a bowl. 
7. Using a fork or an avocado masher, mash and mix the ingredients until the mixture has become smooth and well combined. You could try blending it but I find it easier to just mix it in a bowl. 
8. Evenly spread icing over the brownies. 
9. Slice and serve. 

Music to... urmm... listen to... Feist.