Sometimes when I speak to people about how I’ve changed my diet they become very concerned, and ask me how I can possibly survive without chocolate or comfort food. I like it when this happens, as it gives me a chance to explain that healthy and nutritious food can most certainly tick all the boxes when you’re feeling in need of a pick me up.Indulging in sugar-laden desserts can make you feel happy for a minute or two, but after the sugar spike is over you will be left feeling lethargic and bloated, and potentially in a worse mood than before! Now of course everyone needs to indulge from time to time – we all have days when we don’t feel our best selves, it’s totally natural. So if your body isn’t happy, indulge with something that will give it a little helping hand.

Now whilst Betty Crocker certainly does not have your back – I defo do! I’m so excited to share with you the ultimate comfort food – my delicious raw triple chocolate brownies. They are PACKED with cacao, which can lower blood pressure, support healthy heart function, neutralise free radicals, improve digestion and enhance physical and mental wellbeing, to name a few! They also contain dates, which are good for digestion, and cashews, which contain cholesterol-friendly good fats. So all in all, pretty damn good. Did I mention that they taste incredible too?

Makes about 9 brownies 

Ingredients

For the brownies:

• 1.5 cups dates
• 1 cup cashews
• 3 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 tbsp cacao nibs

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup cacao butter
• 2 tbsp cacao powder
• 2/3 cup coconut cream
• 3 tbsp maple syrup

To make the brownies, simply pop the ingredients in a food processor for a couple of minutes until they form a sticky, gooey, chocolatey mixture. Pop this into a lined baking tin or mould and press it down with a spoon to make sure it’s all evenly spread out. Place the brownies in the freezer while you make the frosting.

For the frosting, melt the cacao butter in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water (or in the microwave) and then once melted, stir in the other ingredients and mix well. Spread this on top of the brownies and use a spoon again to make sure they’re all evenly covered. Decorate with a couple of chopped pecans and some chocolate buttons if you fancy, then cut into squares and pop in the fridge for an hour or so to allow the frosting to set.

So there you go – it’s so easy to be healthy yet still treat yourself at the same time. The proof? Well it’s in the pudding of course!

Love, Mrs H xx