Raw! one bowl brownies

This recipe is for my dear friend, Suzanne, who writes me that she is trying to switch to raw food for her family.  When Kelly was diagnosed with cancer, we picked up several books exemplifying the goodness of eating "raw".  We were, however, discouraged by some of the preparations and equipment needed to recreate meals and never quite got into making a lot of the recipes.  Our oldest daughter, Erin, has also dabbled with raw and found the VitaMix a great tool, although expensive to buy unless you're really going to use it a lot.

A few days ago, I came across a cookbook at Whole Foods that renewed my interest with raw.  It's entitled "Raw for Dessert" by Jennifer Cornbleet.  A lot of the recipes are fruit based and that's good, especially if your family doesn't always eat the required daily amount.  I came across these "one bowl brownies" and being a chocoholic, decided to try them.  If you like a fudgy brownie, this is a great recipe.  Very easy to make; in fact Jennifer states, "ten minutes is all it takes."  They satisfied my craving and I would definitely recommend you giving them a try.

Really! one bowl brownies
3 cups raw walnuts
1/8 tsp. salt
16 pitted medjool dates
2/3 cup organic cocoa powder
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/4 cup raw cocoa nibs (optional)
2 tsp. filtered water


Place the walnuts in a food processor fitted with the metal blade and process until coarsely chopped.  Remove 1/2 cup of the walnuts and set aside.  Add the salt to the rest of the walnuts and process until the walnuts are finely ground.  Add the dates and process until the mixture begins to stick together.  Add the cocoa powder and process to incorporate.  Add the chopped walnuts, drives cherries, optional cocoa nibs, and water and process briefly, just until mixed.

Pour the mixture evenly into an 8-inch glass baking dish and press down with your hand to compact.  Cut into squares.

Covered with plastic wrap, these brownies will keep for 5 days stored in the refrigerator or for 2 weeks stored in the freezer.  Enjoy!