For those who know me well, you know I have a very sweet tooth. I have been sugar free for almost three months (this is the 3rd time I've given up sugar, the longest time was for 1.5 years, but this time it's forever) but occasionally I like to indulge in some sweet alternatives. These brownies are my current fave and are super quick to make.

You need the following ingredients:
4 tablespoons raw cacao
3 cups walnuts
1/2 cup almonds or almond meal
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup raisins
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch cayenne pepper
Pinch salt
2 - 3 tablespoons water

1.       Place all the nuts in a food processor and blend till they are relatively fine.
2.       Add the dried fruit and mix a little more.
3.       Add the remaining ingredients and blend. Do a little taste test to check the sweetness and add more dried fruit if needed.
4.       Remove the blade from the blender add a bit of water and then using your hands, squeeze all the dough together.
5.       Transfer to a ceramic dish and mould/push the dough into the dish so that it is one long slab of dough.
6.       Place in the fridge for an hour or two to set.
7.       Slice and serve!

As far as I’m concerned these are as good as real brownies, but packed full of goodness.  ENJOY!

A few months ago I went gluten free. Other than a few slices of pizza and the occasional fish and chips, I've found it relatively easy. I've never been much of a bread or pasta eater, so I think this has helped.  

However, I do love the occasional piece of toast topped with eggs (or almond butter) and when I was living in Sydney, I used to buy a quinoa and chia seed bread that was perfect for this purpose. 

Since being back in NZ I've been experimenting with recreating the same bread.  It's taken a few attempts, but I think I've finally nailed it!

I LOVE almond butter. I love it so much I once had to ban it from my cupboard because I would eat a jar in one sitting. By the spoonful! This was my indulgence when I gave up sugar for the first time.

I’m hoping now, that by going through the slightly more onerous task of making it myself, that I can control this yummy love affair.

Almond butter is a healthier alternative to peanut butter. Peanuts are actually a legume and can be quite acidic. Whereas almonds are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium and are a good source of protein and fiber. They are also known to alkalise the body.

This recipe is really simple and only three ingredients are required:

• 3 cups organic raw almonds
• Olive oil
• Salt

1. First you need to soak the almonds in filtered water overnight
2. The following day, drain the almonds and toast them in the oven at a very low heat.  This takes several hours and it is essential the almonds are completely dried out.  Then it adds a bit more flavour if you allow the almonds to toast up and get a little crispy.
3. Once the almonds are toasted, it helps your food processer if you can crush them up a bit.  I’ve tried using a rolling pin and a pestle.  The pestle was more effective.
4. Place nuts in the food processor just a handful at a time e.g. put a handful in, let the processor do its thing, then add another handful and so on. Again this is to protect the motor. If you have a Vitamix or something equally as powerful, you can most likely add them all at the same time.
5. Depending on your processor, after 5 – 10 minutes the almonds will start to look like a very thick paste like this:

6.    At this stage, add a splash of olive oil and some salt to taste.
7.    Blend some more and then keep adding oil and salt until you have your desired consistency. Easy peasy!

You can enjoy this nut butter as a spread on toast, mixed in with yoghurt, as a substitute for any recipe requiring peanut butter or if you are after a quick energy hit, by the spoonful.

Enjoy!

Love Lili x