The BEST Raw/ Vegan/ Paleo Brownie, ever.

Seriously, My husband will tell me that most "healthy" desserts I make taste like shit, but he said this one was very delicious.  That means a lot. This brownie is so healthy that you could eat it for breakfast.

*If you want this to be raw make sure that you use only raw cacao powder and raw nuts.

Ingredients
-1 8oz package of dates
-1/2 cup of coarsely chopped almonds -these will be added during the last step
-1/2 cup of unsweetened/dried coconut
-1 cup of GOOD cocoa/cacao powder -dont buy the cheap stuff, you can add extra cocoa powder if you'd like your brownie extra dark!
 - 1 1/2 cup of pecans (or cashews- pecans are preferable)
-1 1/2 cup of walnuts
-2 pinches of salt
-1 T coconut oil (optional)

Directions
1. In a vitamix or food processor add the coconut, walnuts, pecans/cashews, cocoa and salt together. Blend on high until powdery.
2. Add the dates in one at a time until all are blended in the mix.  The mix should resemble a crumb cake like topping (see picture below) add more dates if it isn't crumby enough.
3. Pour out mixture into a parchment/wax lined 9x9 pan.
4. Fold half of the chopped almonds into the mixture.
6. Press mixture down into pan until flat. Sprinkle the rest of the almonds on top.
7. Refridgerate until 20 minutes before you're ready to serve.  This should keep for a week in your refridgerator and 6 months in your freezer.
8. Cut into equal parts with a sharp knife while cold, and this is important-- SERVE at room termperature!  You can also freeze the pieces individually and grab one out of the freezer when you want a sweet treat. Enjoy!

Make Your Own Coconut Milk!

I've done this three times now, and every time it gets easier.

Why did I decide to make my own coconut milk?  1- I love coconut everything 2- The coconut that you buy at the store containes BPA, guar gum, and sugar...Ew.  3- I like trying out new things. 

I've been very, very happy with the outcome.  Home made coconut milk DOES NOT taste anything like store bought.  It's earthy and rich flavor is worth the extra effort.


Ingredients
1 Coconut
3-4 Cups of Water
Water from inside of the coconut

Steps-

1. Buy a coconut. I buy mine for .99 at the asian market.
2. Drill or hammer  a hole in the coconut and let the water drain out into a cup.
3. Cover the coconut in a towel and smash it with a hammer.
4. Remove the meat and rinse it to make sure it's nice and clean.
5. Put the coconut meat in your blender and blend it up for a minute.
6. Bring 3-4 cups of water (depending on how thick you want your milk) to a simmer (not boil)!
7. Add coconut water that you drained, plus warm water, plus coconut meat to the blender and blend for  a few minutes.
8. Pour mixture through a cheese cloth.
9. Squeeze cheese cloth as dry as possible (wear gloves if the mixture is especially warm- do not burn yourself).
10. Store in a mason jar or air tight container, Refrigerate and enjoy (within the next week)!!!

Total cost- .99
Total time- 20 minutes, less for a pro.

**If you want your milk to taste a bit milder, add 2 tablespoons of agave of a few dates and blend it.  A little bit of sweetness goes a long way with this.


Here is your picture tutorial!

Shannon Takes on Two Ingredient Pancakes

I had a sweet tooth, I wanted something "healthy," aka something without refined carbs and sugar...

I decided to give it a try, and I was PLEASANTLY surprised.  Don't get me wrong, these don't taste like Uncle Bill's pancakes.  But, they have a great flavor of their own.

Ingrediets-
1 ripe banana
2 eggs

I mashed 1 banana

 Then I added 2 eggs

 Then I blended it nice and smooth with an immersion blender

 Then I put them on the griddle at medium-high heat with some olive oil

VOILA!

 These are paleo and whole 30 friendly!! YES.  I'm in love.






This weekend I also made home made coconut milk.. a process which was strenuous but worth while.  I'll post about that later.