CHOCOLATE CHUNK BROWNIES with COCONUT MILK & OATS

Allo, loves. Hope you're doin' ok, but if you're not, that is alright too! Life is full of ups and downs, struggles and joys; it's the balance that I sit in gratitude with. The multiple, unique seasons of the earth are each necessary and dependent on one another to create a nourishing whole, and I believe my life is made up of the same recipe. (Obviously, I've been meditating a lot lately, and listening to Oprah's podcast). To celebrate whatever is worth celebrating in your day, I made brownies. 

These are based on another recipe of mine, which you can find here. I've begun dating a new person (they're non-binary toooo!) and they ate most of these, with the help of a couple dear friends. I am so full of love for the amazing people in my world; they support me, uplift me and inspire my spirit. It is an honour to know such radiant humans. We all deserve to be surrounded by persons who gently hold us while we grow into our best selves (whatever that looks and feels like). I am fortunate enough to have found my people. The only downside is that it makes travelling difficult because I don't wanna leave these babes for an extended period of time. Anyways, back to the recipe.

These brownies are very moist, soft and rich; thanks to coconut milk, oats, dates and black beans. They are nutritionally-dense but thankfully don't taste "healthy," because I am pretty over the taste of "healthy" foods. Now that I am practicing Intuitive Eating, I eat what I want when I want, and since I forced myself to eat "healthy" foods for so long, all I crave now is rich, heavy food like pasta, hash browns, burgers and ice cream. It's WONDERFUL. I am hardly exercising because I don't feel like it (besides some yoga and cycling) and my tummy is growing (with fat, not a fetus, just to be clear...) This is a CELEBRATION of self-love and I often hold my new, softer body parts, especially my belly, and say Thank You. Finally, I am living in KINDNESS, compassion and love; instead of cruelty, negative self-talk or restriction. I don't force myself into painful workouts, "light" meals, oil-free recipes, raw cleanses, or other bullshit. Before I do anything, I ask myself if this is an act of compassion for me. If it's not coming from a place of self-love, it's not right for me. I'm done with hurting myself, trying to fit into norms that are equally oppressive in their own way. I don't want to fit in anymore; I never have anyway. I love where I exist, on the edge, in my wholeness, in self-compassion and thankfulness. Bless you and your day! Enjoy whatever you desire. 

xo,

em

CHOCOLATE CHUNK BROWNIES with COCONUT MILK & OATS
Makes approx. 16 servings; Adapted from this recipe.

Brownies:
1 cup pitted dates
2/3 cup oat flour
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk (light or full fat are both fine)
3/4 cup black beans
1/2 cup cacao powder
1/6 cup coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chocolate chunks

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Throw all the ingredients in a food processor - except the walnuts and chocolate chunks - and process until you have a moist, thick batter. Add most of the walnuts and chocolate chunks and process for just a sec so they get mixed in (you could also do this by hand with a spoon).

Spread the batter into a lined baking pan. Top with the remaining walnuts and chocolate chunks. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until they smell ready and a fork or toothpick comes out clean. Let cool, then cut and enjoy!