RP's Brownies -- Questions

[Nature Mom]

Hi Everyone!

I've read the raves about RP's Brownies and would like to make them for my family, though I have some questions.

These questions may seem silly, but I'm new to raw and I've had a pretty unscuessful week as recipes go. :rolleyes:

1. Are the walnuts measured chopped or whole?

2. How do you pit a date?

3. I don't have a springform pan, can I use something else?

My son (and myself!) are crazy for brownies (and all things chocolate!) He's gluten-intolerant and instead of going the alternative baking route I decided to start on the raw path. Chocolate seems an excellent beginning!

Thank you for your help!
Shawna

[girlsmiley]

I just pour the walnuts from the bag into the measuring cup, I don't chop them up.

I buy pitted dates so I've never pitted one personally.

I just pressed mine into a 9x9 pan ... delish!

I even made the chocolate pudding from this board and topped them with it. Way rich, way RAWsome!

[Zuzu]

A date is smushy so you will feel the pit; just pull it out.

[tvillemom]

I cut my dates down the center lengthwise...and pull the pit out.
I actually pressed my walnut/date/chocolate mixture onto a flat plate...it should be thick enough to form it anyway you want! Good luck! This is a great, easy recipe!!
Wendi

[Nature Mom]

Thank you all for your help!

I've been experimenting with chocolate today so I can find healthy treats for my son (2-1/2). He loves chocolate (as do I) and if I can keep it in his diet healthfully it will help our transition.

Many thanks,
Shawna :)

[salsababy]

I chop the walnuts in a food processor- measure out one cup. Sometimes I add extra walnuts and just stir in it in the final mixture.

Pitting a date- I actually rip mine in half and take out the seed.

I don't use a spring pan either. I just use a small glass pan. Probaby doesn't give it the "spring" of a brownie, but it does just fine.

[Nature Mom]

Thanks to everyone for the responses and suggestions!

My son and I made the brownies tonight and I must have overprocessed them because they're really crumbly still.

The taste is divine though! :D

I think I'll make banana ice cream and sprinkle the brownie bits over it for my son then make another batch of brownies tomorrow.

Many thanks,
Shawna

[girlsmiley]

My son and I made the brownies tonight and I must have overprocessed them because they're really crumbly still.
My understanding is that they get crumbly if they aren't processed long enough.

The last time I made the recipe I didn't try to make "brownies" out of it ... I just used it like crumbles on top of the pudding and even just ate it plain to satisfy my chocolate attack :D

[juliebove]

If they're crumbly, simply add a bit of water. I don't measure when I put in the food processor. I just keep going until it looks and tastes right. Mine came out crumbly the first time. I didn't know to add water. I stopped trying to form mine into brownies. Now I add coconut to mine and then roll in balls in more coconut.

[Missrawdiva]

I make a BIG batch every single week!! I just throw in the walnuts, grind up cocao powder , put the in the food processor and then I squeez out the dates with my hand and throw the dates in. Then I let it grind into its thick and spread on a glass container. If you put wax paper on the bottom it will make it ALOT easier to get them off. My daughter says they taste better when they are in the fridge.. but usually I can't wait that long! lol lol

[rawpriestess]

Looks like you got all the right answers, already,


if they are crumbly, keep processing them

I use a 9 by 9 pyrex glass pan to put them in, then I pop them in the freezer to harden up a bit, then take out and cut, then put in a ziplock baggie and keep in the freezer as I like them chewy and moist,

I have added extra nuts, pecans or walnuts are divine, but sometimes I chop up all kinds of nuts and put them in mac nuts, pine nuts etc.

they are also my favorite, with Rawkinlocs cinnamon roll frosting on top, again, I pop these into the freezer as I like them chewy.

you can also drizzle almond butter on top, mmmmmmmmmmmm and then add more nuts,

or drizzle agave' nectar on top and chopped nuts, add banana ice cream and some raw chocolate frosting mmmmmmmm
macademia nut whipped cream on top, add fresh raspberries in season or strawberries to the top,mmmmmmmmmm

they are soooooo good with just about anything on or in them. LOL

I eat alot of them. :o)

[Veganforlife]

I once substituted Black Walnuts? And processed it - waaaay too long as there was no evidence of any nut, but they turned into a wonderful fudge! My family loved them. I made them for Thanksgiving...
RP, your brownies are TO LIVE FOR!
I have credited your name and website with each person I send a copy of the recipe to.
What a wonderful - chocolate craving creation!
You RAWK woman!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[Nature Mom]

girlsmiley, julieabove and missrawdiva -- thank you for the additional tips! I was being so careful not to process too long (for some reason I thought this was the key). I find all the responses here so encouraging!

rawpriestess, thank you for sharing this recipe! and for all the delicious variations! This will definitely become a staple in our household.

I've been focusing on finding raw treats for my son the last couple of days because this will be helpful in keeping him from feeling "deprived" as I talk away all of the other sugar and chocolate. He's already great about eating lots of raw fruit and vegetables, candy is our downfall! :o

Thanks all, this is a marvelous place!!!!

Shawna :)

[Carmella]

OK, I'm finally giving in... I'll make the brownies tonight!

We don't eat chocolate usually but I've heard so much about these I just GOTTA try them! I'll put part carob instead, see how it turns out.

Just one more question first, I take it that the walnuts and the dates aren't soaked right?

Thanx

[Doe]

Carmella, no soaking.

Teri S

[Carmella]

Thanks Doe...

Off to make them right now!