Follow
When I am on the go all day long I like to keep an energy bar with me. Most of the bars I don’t really like or do I feel that they are very good for me. I have recently found a raw food bar that comes in several flavors and I really enjoy them. Reading the ingredients I figured I could give it a go and try making my own. I made my first batch this past weekend – LOVE THEM! I am already coming up with other recipes and cannot wait to try them. Both Stella and I tried them and thought they were excellent, but I really wanted to get another opinion. I took a few over to our neighbors and had them try them – they LOVED them and think I should find a way to sell them at the local coffee shop and just sell them in general.
I wanted to add some superfoods to the recipe and opted for cacao and spirulina. There is no medical or legal definition, but superfoods are considered nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. I have never done anything with spirulina before and it to tell the truth it intimidates me (not sure if that really conveys it, but all I can come up with).
Spirulina is jam packed with nutrients! It is a complete protein and rich in the following vitamins: beta carotene, B1, B2, B6, E and K. To find out more check out this site http://www.integral-health-guide.com/spirulina-powder/
Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. To learn more http://www.howdoyoudostuff.com/Cacao_Powder_Health_Benefits.html
Raw Food Brownie
Ingredients
2 cups organic whole walnuts
1/8 – 1/4 tsp of sea salt (I used my favorite Portuguese sea salt)
1 cup organic raw cacao
2 – 2 1/2 cups organic Medjool dates, pitted
2 – 3 tsp spirulina
1 cup organic raw almonds, roughly cut
1. Pour the walnuts into a food processor and blend until the nuts are finely ground.
2. Add the salt and cacao powder, pulse to combine – you may have to scrape the sides and bottom.
3. Pit the dates, measure and add to the mixture, 1 at a time, until you have half left.
4. Add the spirulina.
5. Add the rest of the dates. The mixture will looks crumbly, which is fine – you just want to make sure that it will hold together. Take a small amount and make a ball in your hand – if it holds together, ready to go to the next step if not, add a couple more dates and try and again.
6. Measure 1 cup of almonds, then roughly cut them up. You decided how fine you want them.
7. Line a brownie pan (8×8 or 9×8 – depending on how thick you want them) with parchment paper.
8. In a glass bowl mix the chopped almonds and the date mixture. Pour into the pan and press firmly.
9. Cover and put in the freezer until you are ready to serve. I just cut a few at a time and then place the covered pan back in the freezer.
At the farmer’s market this weekend I bought some organic cashew butter sweetened with organic maple syrup – this is now on the list to try in the recipe next, along with apple, goji berries, dried blueberries and coconut!
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 
Wow…these sound rich and delicious! I agree with your neighbor, that you might see what the “coffee shop” folks think about offering them. Very creative and nutritious!!