I choose to sweeten my desserts with natural alternatives rather than refined sugar. Natural sugar found in fruit does not have the negative effects of refined sugar.
Whole fruits such as dates, in moderation, have many nutritional benefits including dietary fibre.
Dates are a good source of iron & contain a number of essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese and copper. These minerals are required for numerous biochemical functions such as making powerful anti-oxidants which help prevent aging and disease.
Enjoy the caramel flavour the dates bring to this healthy version of a chocolate brownie!
I am a big fan of the Changing Habits Dates. Unfortunately most dates you buy from the grocery store have oils, sulphites, maltodextrin and gluten. I love that the Changing Habits dates don't include any nasties and are organically grown.
CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA BROWNIES
INGREDIENTS
1 cup dates (soaked and blended)
100 grams butter
1/2 cup rice malt syrup
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 free range eggs
2/3 cup spelt flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts
Pinch of Himalayan salt
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl add dates to 1/2 cup boiling water, soak for 10 minutes. Blend the dates and water they were soaking in, in a high speed blender into a smooth puree.
3. In a medium pot, add butter, date puree, rice malt syrup & heat on stove until butter has melted and mixture starts to simmer.
4. Remove the pot from heat and once cooled slightly whisk in cocoa powder & eggs.
5. Add spelt flour, baking powder, salt and combine.
6. Pour into square tin lined with baking paper & top with roasted macadamia nuts.
7. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until it passes the skewer test.
Enjoy!