Raw ‘Blondies’

Raw ‘Blondies’

From Stonesoup

I really tossed up whether to include this recipe in the book. While the ingredient list may look healthy, they do contain a significant amount of sugar from the dates. They are super delicious, though so if you’re in the mood for a real treat, this is the recipe for you! Plus as a bonus you don’t even need to turn the oven on!

100g (3.5oz) pitted dates
150g (3.5oz) almond meal
50g (1.75oz) melted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
2 tablespoons psyllium or oat bran (optional)

1. Place dates in a heat proof bowl and cover with boiling water. Stand for 5 minutes.

2. While the dates are standing, weigh out your remaining ingredients into your food processor.

3. Drain dates and add to the food processor. Whizz for a few minutes or until you have a smooth mixture that clumps together.

4. Dump your mixture into a loaf pan lined with baking paper and use your hands to smooth out until it’s the height you prefer. Don’t spread the mixture over the whole base. Only use half or less.

5. Pop in the freezer for 15 minutes or in the refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer. Then chop into tiny squares.

Variations

chocolate brownies – add 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder to the mix.

different nuts – feel free to use other nuts or nut meals. Pecans are particularly good.

short on time – pop in the freezer to firm up. Will take about 10 minutes.

medjool dates – no need to soak, just be sure to remove the pits.

dairy-free / vegan – use the coconut oil option.

more decadent – cover with a layer of melted dark chocolate.

low-carb – I’m afraid you really need the dates to bind everything together. Sorry!

Shelf Life / Storage

Will keep happily in the fridge for a few weeks. And in the freezer for months.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

pitted dates/ almond meal/ vanilla extract /coconut oil / psyllium or oat bran – keep them in the pantry.

butter – keeps for months in the fridge.