Summer Sweets

It’s Memorial Day, which for most of us is a three day weekend kicking off the start of summer. Likely that means time by a pool or lake, maybe a bike ride, a picnic in the park or a BBQ. It also most likely means a weekend full of yummy food and drink. Which is a great thing and not something you want to shy away from, as long holiday-weekends give you ample time to socialize with family and friends. However, going into summer, knowing we have to get into our swimsuits soon, you may be trying to watch what you eat. I bet in doing this, you are still craving sweets right?! I always am. Through my addiction to chocolate I am always trying to find alternatives to the “real deal” desserts, that will not only please my waistline, but my taste buds too. I found the perfect brownie recipe that does just that!

These brownies are based on a recipe I found on Deliciously Ella, that I tweaked a little to make my own. These are pretty easy to make (I won’t lie though, VERY messy), and are healthy to beat. Heck, you don’t even cook them, they are raw! What more could you ask for when looking for a good brownie?

Instead of Deliciously Ella’s zesty orange frosting, I topped my brownies with some ‘deliciously’ handmade marshmallows (see what I did there!) from XO Marshmallow. The gals sent me a pack of their limited edition strawberry champagne marshmallows, which were heavenly. I can say though, I have had several of their marshmallows and they are all amazing. As a marshmallow lover, I will admit most make me feel weighed down with sugar. Not these, they are so light and fluffy. Better yet, they taste like their name, not just sugar! Not kidding when I say biting into them was like biting into a cloud covered in strawberries and drizzled in champagne.

Now, since it is Memorial Day, I also want to focus on the real reason we have a three day weekend, which allows us celebrate the start of summer with family and friends. It’s a day to honor the men and women who have fought for our country’s freedom. We need to remember that Memorial Day isn’t all about food and beaches, or an extra day to sleep in, it’s about the people who have given their lives to ensure we have the best ones possible. We are truly the home of the free, because of the brave. I would like to thank all of the men and women who have served our country over the years. Thank you for what you have done and what you continue to do!

Ingredients:

2 cups blanched almonds slivers
7 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 cup of pitted dates
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
6-8 gourmet marshmallows

Recipe:

Pulse 1.5 cups almonds to create a flour-like powder. (You can use a NutriBullet to do this.)
In a food processor combine the flour, and the remaining ingredients. Pulse until smooth.
Add in the remaining almonds at the end. Process until chopped.
Spread the mixture into a brownie or pie tin.
Refrigerate for at least three hours. The longer you refrigerate the more they will set.
Cut into squares, garnish with marshmallow and serve. (Keep in mind that these brownies are raw, so they will be soft even when set.)
You get brownie points (pun intended!) if you have a kitchen torch. Quickly torch the marshmallow for crispy outside, and an ooey gooey inside.