Before I begin this post, this is way too long overdue, so I apologise! Do you remember a long time ago, when we were still wearing loincloths and feeding pet dinosaurs, I hosted a giveaway, and then the dinosaurs got extinct, man developed fire and you were still waiting to hear the results?
Well, wait no more thousand years longer, as officially, I would like to announce the winner:
Ladies and gentlemen, randomly chosen from our wonderful commenters waassss….. *anticipation*
ASHLEY FROM WISHES AND DISHES!
Yessireee this classy, upstate New Yorker will be the new, lucky owner of Ms Lorna Foreman’s one of a kind, Gluten-Free Cookbook, Wheat Watchers!! Congratulations 😀
I have emailed you a notification for your details, and then the book will be on its way!
And a big thank you to all of you for all the support you showed during the giveaway – I was overwhelmed as was Lorna!
Now… moving on to the post for today…
*******************************
How lucky am I? A couple of days back, Justin from Cheap Super Foods Australia, contacted me, asking me to try some wonderful up and coming raw, organic ingredients from their huge range. As if I could turn down a huge opportunity like that! I know many bloggers, especially Vegan, focusing on all these new foods, so I knew I had plenty of inspiration to start making recipes.
But what are superfoods? Why is using them considered ‘super’ but using caster sugar, isn’t? We are not being ingredient-ist here, but the term ‘superfoods’ means that particular ingredient has been classified as “Food with high nutrient and phytochemical content that may confer health benefits. It has few negative properties if any, considering it is highly unprocessed (natural), does not contain contaminants, saturated fats, artificial ingredients or food additives.” – Wikipedia
When I say ‘phytochemicals’, I mean naturally occurring beneficial chemical compounds in plants, such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and polyphenol. I used this think anything ‘organic’ equated in some way, to marijuana and hippie food, tasting like dirt despite any ‘benefits.’ Since I started food blogging, I have learnt a heck of a lot about all of it, and am glad to learn that is not the case! 😀
The wonderful folks from Cheap Super Foods sent me three different 250g samples:
- Cacao Powder
- Coconut Sugar
- Chia Seeds
Let’s begin making raw, organic, totally delicious desserts shall we?
*******************************
Cacao Powder. CAcAo powder.
Cocoa Powder. COcOa powder.
2 different vowels can make an immense different when you are baking. Can I be honest with you? I used to think ‘cacao’ was a different spelling for ‘cocoa’, you know how Australians spell ‘centre’ with ‘re’ but Americans spell ‘centre’ with ‘er’? A small difference, no biggy, I did not even think it over much, despite the fact that majority of the time, cacao was associated with the words, ‘raw’ or ‘organic’.
Sheesh, so young and naive.
I looked up the difference between the two and it is basically, a difference in processing, ending up with one used commonly in desserts, and one used in common association with health benefits. You see, while they both obviously come from The All-Mighty Chocolate Bean, a.k.a The Cacao Bean (Yes cacao, NOT cocoa bean), cocoa powder is heated in order to be made, which often destroys many naturally occurring antioxidants and nutrients it may contain. Therefore, it is no longer raw AND is more rich and bitter. It also may contain some cocoa butter to enhance flavour, and may go through a process of becoming ‘Dutched’, meaning it is alkalised (all you chemists!) and has less health benefits.
Meanwhile, cacao powder, is raw, and does not use the various processes, therefore allowing it to keep its rich, beneficial properties. Cool right? It is the chocolate flavour with more 🙂
Of course, while I may use it in different ingredients to give them a healthy twist, I would never replace my Special Dark Cocoa Powder, as it really does have that richness in it. And if you are going to eat a pound of butter, do it the right way non? This is an ingredient I would keep in the pantry if I was whisking up pancakes, or muffins, to put my health meter a notch up while still enjoying myself. It is a great substitute for sure 😀
To celebrate this fabulous superfood, here is the recipe for you. I am sure you have all heard of Raw Organic Brownies, which contain no sugar and no fat. Well, I whipped up my own recipe for one and hope you enjoy it. It was fudgier moreso than even my usual best brownies, and while not the richest, certainly made my sweet tooth sing and my body’s nutrient level hit the roof 😀
Raw Fudgy Brownies (With Everything!) 😉
Adapted from many sources put together but inspired by: Oh, Ladycakes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup raw walnuts/pecans (or a mix!)
- 2 cups pitted dates (Medjool)
- 1 cup raw cacao powder
- Pinch of allspice
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut + extra for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp Himalayan Salt (I did not have any but it has been recommended by many)
- Chocolate chips, for sprinkling
Method:
- In a food processor, process nuts together until finely ground – you will notice them sticking together slightly, and that is because their natural oils have been released while being crushed, which is a good thing 🙂
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor
- Add in the allspice, cacao powder, desiccated coconut and salt (if using) and blend until combined
- Scrape down again (this is important because otherwise, there will not be even distribution)
- While the food processor is… processing… make your date paste: Put your dates in a saucepan over high, barely covered by water and boil until the majority of water has evaporated and the dates are easily mashing together (similar to in a Sticky Date Pudding)
- Let mixture cool for 10-15 minutes
- Spoon into food processor with the maple syrup and process. You should notice the mixture starts to clump together at this point.
- In a tin lined with baking paper, spoon the mixture out and spread. As you can see, I wet my hands slightly and then used them to make the spread more even 🙂
- Sprinkle with extra desiccated coconut and chocolate chips (I did not do this till after, whoops!
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours
- Slice and devour, you will die when you realised they are just as fudgy as underbaked brownies!
Notes:
- Put in orange zest, some peanut butter, whatever you fancy! Even espresso powder 😀
- After blending it all, if you want some crunch, mix through chocolate chips or more nuts before spreading it in the tin and refrigerating!
- Try freezing it, you may be pleasantly surprised 😉
Would I recommend buying this product? Definitely! The texture of the cacao powder was soft, it smelt fantastic and the health benefits were incredible! For day to day baking, I would use this instead of normal cocoa powder to up my nutrient intake without a doubt!
*******************************
Cheap Super Foods Australia boasts of the best organic quality in their products and this is definitely evident in the good packaging and delicious flavour. Not only do they have a wide range of ingredients to try such as acai powder (what even…) and goji berries, but check out their Superfoods Blog, to get fabulous ideas on how to implement them in day to day recipes!
*Disclaimer: I may have received these products courtesy of the company but my opinion of each ingredient was all my own
Pingback: Enhanced? | Go Bake Yourself
Pingback: Superfoods #3: Chia Seeds | Go Bake Yourself
Oh heavens, these look SO amazing + I love that they’re healthy, too! Awesome recipe. =)
LikeLike
CCU, as I read and scrolled down thru the pics, I realized my mouth and my eyes were opening wider and wider! OMG, this is a wonderful recipe and I have to pin it for future use.
LikeLike
Those brownies look amazing CCU! I LOVE cacao powder too. I mainly use it for nutty protein balls, but it makes a devilishly wicked hot chocolate too. Glad to have another recipe to need it for! Will bookmark this one. Looks like a keeper.
LikeLike
I love having more and more reasons to eat chocolate!
LikeLike
I love dates and chocolate flavor together. Those brownies sound so good, Uru! Thanks for the cacao lesson too!
LikeLike
Oh I absolutely love this recipe.I love Chia seeds and use it all the time but never tried Cacao powder!Will look out for it and try your recipe 🙂 So yum!
LikeLike
Those brownies are absolutely delightful looking. That cocao powder seems to be a must try!!!
LikeLike
Love the cookies – they look amazing and I bet they taste fab with cashew nuts.
LikeLike
Chocolate is my super food :). Truly my only weakness which I try to restrict to less than one ounce of plain, dark chocolate a day. What a delightful brownie recipe! I wish I had you metabolism 🙂
LikeLike
What a fun post, Uru! And these brownies look so decadent! 🙂
LikeLike
You know I love this Uru, totally up my alley! I love cacao and am so glad you do too!
LikeLike
Well, if super bakers like you can get confused…what are we mere mortal bakers! I had no clue on this difference. Thank you so so much Uru. I was wondering, is Cacao bitter?
Loved the opening of your post…you are adorable and have this awesome sense of humour. Thanks for the nice chuckle first thing in the morning. Congratulations to your winner 🙂
LikeLike
I bought some cacao nibs, but I don’t know what to do with them. Sounds like you have had great success with the powder!
LikeLike
Yuuuuuumm! You definitely know how to use cacao powder and make a great use of it! This looks delicious!
LikeLike
All of these product would be amazing in my morning healthy smoothies. I love your delicious brownies, especially the picture of your chocolate hands.
LikeLike
I can’t believe these brownies are raw and healthy too! They look so amazing and fudgey!! I want cacao powder!
LikeLike
Such an amazing and healthy recipe, I love cacao powder!
LikeLike
I LOVE cacao! I buy the nibs and snack on them all day. Totally trying this!
LikeLike
I am in heaven right about now. I mean wow.. those brownies.. I’m in love 🙂
LikeLike
What a great giveaway CCU. Those brownies look very tempting and rich.
LikeLike
Glad you’re back. Wheat Watchers – love it! And ohmyghad this heavenly chocolate concoction should be in my kitchen on a plate right now 🙂
LikeLike
Haha Wheat Watchers is indeed brilliant 😀
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I never tried cacao powder and I learn something new from you today. That brownies looks irresistible!
LikeLike
Healthy brownies! I’ll be on the look out for cacao powder. Interesting post with your usual good humour!
LikeLike
i’ve never cooked or baked with any of those sample ingredients you received–what fun! fudgy doesn’t even begin to describe these brownies. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for all this useful info! The brownies are perfect and no bake make them even better!
LikeLike
I love every super food sample you got! Your gooey hand looks cool too 🙂
LikeLike
Haha too kind my friend, my gooey hand is so weird though 😉
Couldn’t resist sharing!
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
ooh raw choc brownies? yum! ive bookmarked this and will get going with baking this!
LikeLike
Oooh I hope you enjoy it my friend 😀
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I had no idea there was a difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder – now I totally need to get some cacao powder! these brownies are AWESOME!!
LikeLike
You did the cacao powder proud! These are delectable! I always thought they were the same thing too.
LikeLike
Thank you for the information 🙂 And these look delicious!
LikeLike
I love how cacao powder is a superfood. This is making me want to bake something right now and use raw cacao powder!
LikeLike
These look SO fudgylicious!
LikeLike
I’m always on a mission to use better ingredients in my cooking so thanks for letting us know about Cheap Super Foods. Already making a list of ingredients to buy for my winter baking escapades 🙂
LikeLike
No problem my friend, I hope you enjoy their products 😀
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I did not know the difference, thanks for the clarification.
LikeLike
Yum, raw food never looked so good! I’m definitely going to check out the raw cacao powder soon. Your brownies look delicious and bonus it’s good for you too!
LikeLike
Very impressive and inspiring. I love how you used cacao powder. I’m always confused as to how it would taste. Your recipe looks fantastic. Sold.
LikeLike
Just the BEST GIF ever!! That’s why I love ya!
LikeLike
Awwww like 2 peas in a pod 😉
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I can’t believe those are so healthy, they look so rich and decadent! 🙂
LikeLike
Looks like you made a great use of that amazing cacao powder!
LikeLike
You’d never know these decadent looking gems were full of health benefits! Brava, my friend!
LikeLike
Haha I love that ‘Brava’ 😉
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
Wow, these look amazing! I HAVE to try them, just HAVE to! 🙂
LikeLike
Raw brownies, that sounds great. Fantastic & healthy, fudgy brownies!
LikeLike
That cacao powder selection looks amazing! And you do delicious things with it, as ever.
LikeLike
I am really terrible at remembering to post giveaway winners also! So dont’ feel bad. 🙂
These brownies look amazing!
LikeLike
Congratulations to Ashley! And how lovely to be sent a hamper of these super-foods – my uni students would be very jealous – they’re always asking me to buy these ingredients xx
LikeLike
Haha I can see why – they are fabulous 😀
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
Sounds and looks great, dear! I miss sniffing around this blog – hope the final year is going well 🙂
LikeLike
I love fudgy brownies so I’m sure I’d love these brownies too. 🙂
LikeLike
I haven’t seen real cacao powder and I have got to get my hands on some coconut sugar.
LikeLike
I missed your weight watchers giveaway post.. but anyhow. Medjool dates make the best raw brownies.
LikeLike
Sorry about it my friend! To make up for it, try these brownies 😉
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I didn’t know the difference between them either.. we say cocoa, they say cacao! And now I’ll say cacao too if it’s healthier:Dxx
LikeLike
These brownies look sensational!
LikeLike
Interesting recipe! Looks delicious!
LikeLike
Sounds like a great substitute. And congratulations to Ashley!
LikeLike
These sound amazing! A must make! These brownies look so pretty too! 🙂 Fabulous pics too, C.C.Uru!
LikeLike
Hi Uru,
These brownies are calling out my name. Super delicious and guilt free too! That is a winning combination.
LikeLike
You’ve convinced me – healthy can be good & those really really look good to me.
LikeLike
I must try this recipe, just for the health of it!!!
LikeLike
This recipe has my name written ALL over it!! It looks delicious, and I LOVE cacao!
LikeLike
You reminded me that I need chia seeds 🙂
LikeLike
You lucky dog, you! What a nice treat to receive. I’ve been using cacao powder quite a lot recently and I love it. Very impressed with your brownies, too – yum!
LikeLike
Haha I am lucky non? 😉
Coming from you, it certainly is a complement – you are the healthiest, and most delicious blogger ever!
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
These look really amazing! Yum!
LikeLike
These look so good! Goes to show you don’t have to bake with flour and butter to get great tasting brownies.
LikeLike
these look fabulous! I too didn’t really know what cacao was–you learn something new every day. have a great one!
LikeLike
Amazing recipe,looks so delicious 🙂
LikeLike
OMG!! THat’s one gooey super delish brownies!! I love chia and cacao powder. Super healthy and delish, what’s not to like 😀
LikeLike
Great post!! I’ve been adding cocoa nibs to all kinds of things lately (including my morning yogurt along with chia seeds) for the extra antioxidants.
LikeLike
Yayy!! I’m so excited that I won!! Thank you so much!! I’m sure it’s a wonderful book 🙂
LikeLike
My pleasure my friend, let me know when you get it 😀
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I’ve always wanted to do a comparison bake off for powders. Your brownies look amazing.
LikeLike
This would make a great lunch box treat for the children. Deliciously sweet but with l
LikeLike
…loads of healthy ingredients!
Thanks for the recipe.
LikeLike
Don’t you just love yummy food that is GOOD for you? 😀
LikeLike
Chocolate is easily a top superfood… Never hard to add a bit more into the daily diet. 😉 Happy to see it in such a guilt-free format here! Those brownies look great, and so simple, too.
LikeLike
Great post! We are loving using raw cacao powder in raw desserts, smoothies and ice pops! Now I want to make your brownies!!! They sound wonderful!
LikeLike
Those brownies look so good…
LikeLike
P.S. Quite different actually with no grains. Awesome job!
LikeLike
Haha! You have such a great sense of humor! Pretty brownie squares, Uru.
LikeLike
I too did not know the difference between cacao and cocoa!
Thank you for clearing that up.
I love all the healthy ingredients in your brownies yet they look super tempting!
LikeLike
Raw brownies, now that is an amazing recipe, and they have a truckload of medjool dates! My kryptonite in the dried fruit world. And btw, cacao is spanish for cocoa… the same thing, different language…
LikeLike
Ooh that is cool, thanks for the fact 😀
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I honestly didn’t know the difference between cacao and cocoa either!
LikeLike
Never heard about superfoods but its great discovery esp the organic cacoa powder for this stunning brownies. Also cacoa powder is new for me but read through your infor for the details.
LikeLike
The look absolutely delicious! I have been looking into superfoods as well and making some healthy changes. Thanks for the cacao/cocoa lesson!!
LikeLike
Great post – I didn’t realize the difference between cacao and cocoa. Although as long as my brownies are tasty, I’ll take either one! 😉
LikeLike
I’ve totally missed you, Uru – I’ve been wondering when we’d see another post! The beginning of this post made me laugh, especially the GIF of James Marsden. Amazing! Thanks for all the edumacation here about super foods, cacao v. cocoa and this fantastic brownie recipe. Finally a guilt-free brownie!
LikeLike
Haha I am so sorry, it is just schoolwork 😛
And yes that GIF is awesome 😉
Thank you!
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
Awww yay Ashley! Love her.
And I loooove cocoa powder, these brownies look super amazing too!
LikeLike
These do look so amazingly rich and fudgy! I can’t believe these are raw. What a treat to get to sample these super foods.
LikeLike
These look wonderful and I’m off to find cacao powder! Thanks for the explanation! 🙂
LikeLike
Uru,
Healthy brownies almost sound like an oxymoron, but not in this case. I didn’t know the difference before cacao and cocoa, either. Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Ooohhh the brownies look so good, what a nice package of super foods, looks wonderful. I have to get some coconut sugar, so many cooks that I know are using it now. Great post!
LikeLike
Healthy brownies? So I can like eat chocolate for every meal of the day? Sign me up!
LikeLike
Congrats to Ashley!
Great post and those brownies look lovely!
LikeLike
I’ve always clung onto the idea that chocolate is good for you! And it sounds like it is! 😀
LikeLike
this looks like a super delicious snack! and dessert… and breakfast – i just want to eat that all day!!
and thanks for telling the difference between cacao and cocoa! 🙂
hope school and all is going well! 😀
LikeLike
Haha so did I 😉
Ugh Trials soon, we are so close my friend!
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
What a fantastic post Uru. Great recipe… and I love the fact that you’ve explained the confusing differences between cacao and cocoa. I did a bit of my own research a while ago (as I was wondering what the difference was between ‘Dutch process’ cocoa and normal cocoa) and since then, I’ve been trying to find some affordable powdered cacao (AFFORDABLE being the key word!). I’ll check out this company. Thanks again lovely!
LikeLike
Haha this company is brilliant for this 😀
It definitely is affordable and you get a lot for your money (I got lucky!) 🙂
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I need to order more chia seeds! The fudgy brownies look so yum!
LikeLike
Congrats Ashley, lucky gal! Mmmm…. these superfood come in real handy under you, Uru! Love to have some of those desserts right now!
LikeLike
YUM these look great- a healthy twist on a usual naughty favourite 😉 Thanks for showing us the difference between cocoa and cacao too…some of us are too shy to ask 😉
LikeLike
Those sound amazing! I’mshopping this morning and will have all those delicious ingredients on my list. It will be fabulous haing guilt free brownies! I’ll let you know how they go. All the best 🙂
LikeLike
Hope they turned out just as yummy as mine did 😀
Make sure you use extra sweet dates!
Cheers
CCU
LikeLike
I would love someone to send me chia seeds as they are stupidly expensive here. Great post Uru 🙂
LikeLike