Something gooey, healthy (for a chocolate brownie) and delicious for those January blues, this recipe uses organic raw cacoa which is a powerful antioxidant; preventing aging and cell death and is fantastic for mental well-being as it increases serotonin levels in the brain and stimulates the release of endorphins, creating euphoric feelings and generally making our minds feel amazing. Just what we need in the winter months! Ginger is also a potent healer, it helps boost the immune system, relieve pain, cure nausea and has anti-cancer properties. So even though this brownie does sound a little naughty, it is actually packed full of heath promoting goodies that easily make up for the sugar in it.
Ingredients:
For Apples
- 2 apples peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon organic vanilla essence (optional)
For the Brownies:
- 1 3/4 cups plain flour (gluten-free all-purpose if GF)
- 1/2 cup raw organic cacao powder (or cocoa powder if you can’t get your hands on this )
- 2 teaspoon baking powder, plus 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 3 ounces vegan dark chocolate (200g pack), chopped
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped stem ginger (from a jar)
- Pinch of salt
Method:
1. Preheat an oven to 180 degrees.
2. On a medium heat in a saucepan heat the orange juice, vanilla essence and cinnamon then add in the apples and cook through for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid has been soaked up.
3. Meanwhile, mix all of the brownie ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Hold back a few nuts and chocolate to sprinkle on the top.
4. When everything is mixed, add in the apples (strain off any excess liquid from cooking) and mix together into a thick doughy consistency.
5. Pour mixture into a grease-proof, lined baking tray or roasting dish and sprinkle on the rest of the nuts and chocolate and bake for 20-30 mins, remove and leave to cool.
