Photo: vogue.it

Presentation

Dessert prepared with Brazil nuts, dark chocolate, almond “milk”, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa, eggs, spelt flour and baking powder

Ingredients

Per 15 brownies

10 Brazil nuts

125 g (4.4 oz) dark chocolate (preferably 100% cocoa)

100 ml (3.4 fl oz) almond milk

150 g (5.3 oz) coconut oil + extra to grease the pan

250 ml (8.5 fl oz) maple syrup

seeds from 1 vanilla pod (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)

50 g (1.8 oz) raw cocoa powder, sifted

3 eggs

130 g (4.6 oz) spelt flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Roast the Brazil nuts in the oven for 15 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking.

Place the chocolate, almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup and seeds or vanilla extract in a baking dish over a very low heat

Stir regularly until you have a rich and creamy batter.

Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the cocoa powder.

Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes

Beat the eggs.

Add the flour, baking powder and chopped Brazil nuts.

Pour this mixture into the pan you have prepared and bake it in the oven for about 12 minutes.

If you prefer brownies that are less creamy, pop the pan back in the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, but take it out before the crust starts to crack, otherwise the texture will be more cake-like.

Remove the pan from the oven

Use parchment paper to help you put the whole brownie to cool.

Cut into squares once cold.

Allergens

Cocoa: possible reactivity in case of allergy to spices

Dark chocolate: check for soy lecithin

Spelt or Spelt: cereals containing gluten covered by EU Regulation 1169/2011

Almonds: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011; it has cross-reactivity in case of allergy to Birch and Gramineae.

Brazil nut or Amazonian walnut: may cause allergies, included among allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Coconut oil: if not refined, possible cases of intolerance

Maple syrup: to be consumed by people with allergies

Egg: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Vanilla: possible reactivity in case of sensitivity to spices

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

“Milk” is a very common term but by law it can only be used for the mammary secretion of animals. In fact, in 2017 the Court of Justice of the European Union prohibited the use of the term “milk” for plant products.

It is therefore correct to speak of a drink

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Cocoa: powerful antioxidant rich in purine alkaloids (theobromine, caffeine, adenine), tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, proteins, starches and sugars and B vitamins favorable to basal metabolism and cardio-vascular well-being because it lowers blood pressure and promotes blood flow at the level of the coronary arteries. It contains phenylethylamine capable of decreasing the production of cortisol (stress hormone).

Dark chocolate: (at least 70% cocoa): it supports the functionality of the immune system and in particular stimulates the production of T lymphocytes, which act against infections, as well as being rich in ingredients (serotonin, endorphins and diphenyldantoin) which are antidepressants, support mood and inhibit pain.

Spelt or Spelt: due to the presence of fiber, it is particularly suitable in case of constipation; it helps regulate blood glucose levels and determines better insulin sensitivity. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract the depressed. It stimulates the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Almonds: they are a source of Vitamin E which protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Also useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Brazil nut or Amazonian walnut: rich in selenium that supports the immune system; also suitable for kidney patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

Maple syrup: rich in potassium and calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins, it has antioxidant properties favorable to the functioning of the immune system, diuretic and purifying properties.

Eggs: source of Vitamin E which protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids. Rich in Vitamin D that fights mood disorders

Vanilla: it has favorable effects on liver function to have choleretic, digestive, eupeptic, stomachic, hepatoprotective, antihepatotoxic, spasmolytic properties of smooth muscle fibers.

Safety / Intended use

Product also intended for subjects suffering from:

• Anorexia-weight loss
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity)
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Dysphagia

Not recommended in case of:

• Diarrhea