Instagram, Raw Brownies, & A Future Giveaway

I'm letting you know now that this post involves several different topics and may be lengthy.

  This past Saturday my mom and I along with our assistant pastor, his wife, three of his girls, his sister (our past youth leader), his niece, and nephew went shopping at the Grapevine outlet mall as a day of fun. We all met up at cracker barrel for a late breakfast before spending 7 hours roaming the very crowded mall.  My mom was told by some friends that we had to eat at the Rainforest Cafe because it is a unique experience so we made reservations to have a late lunch/early dinner. When it's was time to be seated, we were lead into a dark room that is heavily decorated to look like a rain forest with mist machines at the bar, mechanic animals that move every few minutes with sound effects, and the staff was dressed like safari guides.

  For dessert they offered a brownie volcano which is regularly $16, but if you are celebrating a birthday you get it for free so our table got 2 brownies for free that contained 1 pound of brownie per plate along with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a pretty sparkler on top. I only ended up shopping at 5 stores and ironically spent the most money in the Rainforest Cafe's shop where I got 3 t-shirts, 1 stuffed giraffe, a koala key chain, a cute coffee mug, and a little stuffed tiger that I got half off because I purchased a over a certain amount.

{I recently jumped on the Instagram wagon so come follow me: raynalynnb}

Now let's get to talking about a brownie recipe that doesn't taste like the brownie volcano above, but it is just as delicious in a healthier, chewier way.

  I have noticed something when it comes to popular desserts that are floating around the internet world: If it contains nutella and/or enough sugar and butter to induce an instant heart attack they are a favorite while tastier, healthier desserts get overlooked. Sometimes desserts that are labeled as healthy can be lacking in the flavor department, but that isn't the case with this recipe. I promise.

   I had this recipe stuck on our refrigerator door for the past 3 weeks before I finally decided to give it a try. To be honest when I  was blending up the ingredients in the food processor, I didn't think it would be that tasty due to the minimal ingredients. But I was wrong. These brownies delicious! I only made 1/2 a batch and it wasn't enough to completely fill the bottom of the small pan I used, but it was the perfect amount to last me a few days. You can press the batter into a pan to chill before serving out you can roll small amounts of the batter into balls before rolling in coconut flakes or chopped nuts. These brownies remind me of those healthy chewy protein/energy bars except these taste better.
              Even my mom who is skeptical about raw desserts thought they tasted really good.

{P.S. A company recently contacted me to ask if I want to review one of their products {coconut oil} which I happily replied yes to. So once I receive the oil, bake with it, and/or use it for a few DIY projects I will write a review and host another giveaway (YAY!) !! I will most likely try to publish the post sometime next week, depending on how busy I get so keep an eye out so you can enter to win!}

Raw Brownies 

grain/gluten/dairy/refined sugar free,vegan, paleo

Adapted: My New Roots

2 cups walnuts (or another nut)
1 cup raw cacao powder (or regular cocoa powder)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups Medjool Dates, pitted
3-4 tbsp Agave or Maple Syrup

Extras:
finely chopped nuts
dark cocoa powder
unsweetened shredded coconut for topping.

Notes: 
The original recipe chopped up nuts to stir into the batter before chilling, but I skipped it.

1. Place the nuts in a food processor and blend until the nuts are finely ground.
2. Add in the cacao/cocoa powder, salt, and pulse to blend.
3. Add the vanilla and dates before blending on high or until the mixture starts to come together. Slowly drizzle in the agave syrup until the mixture turning into a ball of dough and is sweetened to your preference.
To make bars:
Line a small baking pan or sheet with parchment paper and press the brownies until they are the thickness you prefer.Sprinkle with toppings, if desired. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.
To make Brownie Bites:
You can measure out the balls into scant 1 Tbsp balls before rolling in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Lay on a plate lined with parchment and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.