Nutrient Rich Brownies

Gluten, Dairy & Cane Sugar-Free Brownies

As always, try to use organic and raw ingredients when possible.  This recipe uses low glycemic coconut palm sugar and raw cacao powder which are naturally nutrient rich.  Palm sugar contains magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and 16 vital amino acids.  Raw cacao powder contains magnesium, flavanols and polyphenols.  Pack it in where you can!

1 can of black beans, rinsed
3 eggs
1/2 C coconut oil
1/4 C cacao powder (raw, if you can find it)
1 TBS pure maple syrup
2 tsp ground vanilla
1 C coconut palm sugar (unrefined, if you can find it)
1/2 C crushed walnuts

*If you can tolerate some cane sugar you can also use 1/2 C chocolate chips that are dairy, soy & wheat free.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In food processor combine beans, eggs, oil, cocoa powder, ground vanilla and palm sugar until smooth.

Grease 8x8 pan and pour batter into pan.  Sprinkle with crushed walnuts (and chocolate chips - if using).

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.  Cool and chill before serving.

Photography & recipe by Nicole Hoines.

Nightshade-Free Chili

Since tomatoes and peppers rank high on my list of foods to avoid, I created a nightshade-free chili that my whole family will eat. In fact, given a choice my daughter chooses 'orange chili' over red. I call it curried chili. If you know anyone that suffers from arthritis, this is a good solution - as nightshades are known to aggravate joints.

1 butternut squash, peeled, cubed, steamed
1 yellow onion, diced and sautéed in oil until translucent
15 oz of beans
1 lb ground turkey, cooked separately
1 tbs turmeric
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp ginger

Put the steamed squash and sautéed yellow onion into a food processor and mix until it has a sauce-like texture. You may want to add a small amount of water from the steamed squash. Combine sauce with cooked turkey, beans and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes and taste.

You can use any bean that suits you. It's best to soak your own beans over night, but a can will do nicely.

For a vegetarian option, just omit the turkey and add more beans. Try different types of beans.