Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we’ve always got an eye toward health and wellness, sometimes self-care and wellness looks a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top carpet picnic in the living room, or sweet treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the status quo, and that’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
The normal brownies we’re all familiar with, often have ingredients that are inflammatory to our bodies. Processed sugar, flour, and dairy are all things that many of us would often do well to avoid.
Because of all that sugar, brownies can and do spike your blood sugar. This in turn raises cortisol and insulin levels. If you eat things too often that yield this result in your body, you may end up with imbalanced hormones, weight gain, and mood issues.
Avocados are one of the most nutrient dense foods available to us. Loaded with important fatty acids, antioxidant phytonutrients and essential amino acids they are one of the best anti-aging superfoods to consume. And they happen to make a pretty awesome brownie, too!
They are also very high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat which has been shown to increase fat metabolism. Avocados are also rich in powerful antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as Vitamin E.
Brownies that are good for you and even have superfood properties? What a world we live in! Check out the recipe below.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup creamy nut butter (almond, cashew, tahini, etc)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mashed avocado (about 1/2 an avocado)
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325° F.
- Grease a regular size loaf pan with coconut oil or line with parchment paper
- In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and transfer to the loaf pan.
- The batter will be very thick and sticky so with the back of a spoon- level out the batter across the pan as evenly as you can, edging it into the corners and smoothing the surface.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and allow to cool before slicing.
- Enjoy, guilt-free!
