(Healthy!) Brownie Bites

How can "brownie" and "healthy" be in the same description? Well, these 3-ingredient little chocolate bombs of flavor have nothing that's not pure and straight from nature. Unlike normal brownies that do your body damage, these delicious brownie bites will do you good, beyond just tasting good!

Walnuts, the main ingredient of this recipe, are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which is an essential fat most Americans don't get enough of. Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer development, and protect our brain and blood vessels. Walnuts are also a great source of protein and magnesium, and even have significant amounts of iron, potassium, fiber, and vitamin B-6. (Phew!)

Dates, although very high in natural sugar, also have lots of fiber and potassium. Even tasting like a caramel candy, there is no fat and of course no cholesterol (cholesterol is never found in plant foods). 

Unsweetened cocoa is low in calories, has 1 gram of fiber per tablespoon, and even 1 gram of protein. It's high in minerals and antioxidants that are thought to lower the risk of heart disease. 

These little balls of goodness have a soft, creamy texture and a nutty, caramel-chocolate richness. You'll be addicted in no time and will put those brownie mixes away. 

Healthy Brownie Bites
by Faith Ralphs

1 cup walnuts

8 large dates, pitted

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla, optional

unsweetened coconut for rolling in, optional (very affordable to buy in bulk in stores like WinCo)

 Combine walnuts and dates in a food processor. Process for about a minute, until walnuts are smooth and all they stick together to form a solid mass. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla. Blend until well combined. Form small balls using about 1/2 tablespoon of mixture for each ball. Roll in coconut. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge if you want them to be more firm.

Makes exactly 20 brownie bites.

Although addicting, these healthy treats should be eaten in moderation since they're high in calories and natural sugar. Although healthy calories, a calorie is still a calorie!