We were inspired by this weeks food matters project recipe, Chocolate-Cherry Panini, to remake a dessert we made once last year but never posted. Bittman's recipe, which combined chocolate and fruit, is a similar flavor combination to these raw brownies. Using dates in a recipe like this makes for moist and chewy desserts, without using eggs, oil, or butter.
We love that this dessert is satisfying but also healthy and can be easily adapted for whatever you are in the mood for. You can also adapt the shape however you please - from truffles, to brownies, to mini cupcakes.
Pick up some dates (pitted is easiest) and give this unique recipe a try next time your in the mood for something chocolatey and sweet.
Date "Brownies"
2 handfuls dates, pitted and roughly chopped
1 handful nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, etc.)
1/4 - 1/2 cup coco powder
Pinch of salt
Any of the following:
Cinnamon
Vanilla
Chopped nuts
Peanut butter
Coconut
Powdered sugar
Cayenne or chili powder
Lemon or orange zest
Coffee
Pulse all ingredients in food processor until finely chopped and easily malleable. Stir in larger pieces of nuts, if using. Press mixture into round balls (for truffles), a baking dish (for brownies), or mini-cupcake molds (for cupcakes). Dust with coco powder or powdered sugar or roll in nuts, coconut, or powders. Refrigerate until hardened, at least 2 hours.
