Didn’t have time to cook up a gourmet meal for Valentine’s Day? Couldn’t find the time to stop for chocolates? No worries! We’ve got you covered with an easy — and more importantly, fast! — brownie recipe exclusively created by Chef Alina Z, author of Single and Hungry: A Realistic Guide to Food and Self-Love. The personal touch of baking dessert yourself will make your loved ones feel extra special — and they can indulge without overthinking their waistlines because Alina Z’s ingredients are far healthier than the usual fare. “This is a rich and good-for-you brownie that is high in essential fatty acids — Omega-3, protein and fiber. I like to think of this recipe as almost a health food.” Alina says, adding “the brownie makes for a chocolatey and healthy Valentine’s dessert.”
RAW VEGAN PEANUT BROWNIE
Brownie batter
2 Cups raw walnuts
1.5 Cups medjool dates, pitted (Do NOT buy already pitted dates)
1 Cup raw cacao powder
1/4 Teaspoon sea salt
Preparation
Process in food processor with an S-blade for 2-3 minutes until well-blended. Separate the dough in 2 parts. Place one part in a small pan and push down with your hands. The dough should be about 1/2 inch thick.
Place peanut caramel sauce on top. Cover with the remaining brownie batter. Pat down with your hands to solidify and refrigerate to set. Cut in serving pieces and drizzle with chocolate sauce when ready to serve.
Peanut caramel sauce
1/2 Cup coconut nectar
1/2 Cup medjool dates, pitted (Do NOT buy already pitted dates)
1/2 Cup coconut oil
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/2 Teaspoon sea salt (more if you’d like)
2/3 Cup chopped peanuts
Caramel sauce preparation
Blend coconut nectar, dates, coconut oil, vanilla and salt in a high-speed blender until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and mix in chopped peanuts.
Chocolate sauce
1/2 Cup coconut nectar
2 Tablespoons cacao powder
Chocolate sauce preparation
Mix the ingredients with a fork in a small bowl for about 2 minutes, until well-blended.