Raw Pecan Brownies

A few weeks ago, an editor from MindBodyGreen emailed us - she'd seen our blog, and asked if we wanted to contribute to the site. 

[Cue the midday dance party]

You know that we even exist? It felt like that older cool kid in high school had just asked us to sit at their lunch table. 

We felt honored. And we've felt like that with every reader, subscriber, commenter, and person who's tried a recipe. Connecting with other people makes it fun to keep working on new recipes, posts, and photos.

If you're curious, MindBodyGreen is a resource aimed at revitalizing the way we "eat, move, and live." We're super happy to contribute - here's the post and recipe below:

Post by Natalie

My husband, Cody, loves treats. To him, a baked good or an ice cream is more than sweet flavors. They embody the joy of food - a rush of excitement and comfort. 

And that's important. Enjoying food is the fun part of eating. There's even evidence that when we enjoy our food and are less stressed, we absorb more of the nutrients.

The problem is that many desserts are made with processed grains and refined sweeteners. Not only are ingredients stripped of their nutrition, but the macro-nutrient balance often leads to an energy spike, and subsequent crash. 

These pecan brownies are made with whole foods, and have a mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. The chocolaty bars taste good, give sustained energy, and satisfy a sweet tooth.

We have them as a dessert, pre- or post-workout snack, or a midday energy boost.

Raw Pecan Brownies

Makes 16 bars

Ingredients

• 275g Pecans (about 2 cups)
• 30g (1/3 cup) shredded coconut, plus more for topping
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground vanilla
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup cacao powder (heaping)
• 10 dates, pit removed

Process

1. Place pecans in a food processor and blend on high until finely ground.
2. Add in the coconut and blend until mixed.
3. Add in the spices and salt. Pulse to combine.
4. Add in the cacao powder and blend until mixed.
5. Add the dates one at a time through the tube while food processor is running. The mix should turn from crumbly, to a little bit gooey. When pressed, the mixture should stick together. If not, add dates one at a time until it holds together.
6. Press the mixture into an 8" square dish (or whatever container you plan to use), and flatten with spatula or your hands. Place in the freezer or fridge until ready to serve. They're easiest to cut when they are cold.