Gluten Free Pistachio Chocolate Brownies

I am sure that you can tell from recent posts that I love attempting to create healthy fixes for my ever nagging sweet tooth (although my attempts aren't always a success as my trash can knows all too well). The following recipe uses creamy pureed avocado and enough cocoa powder to satisfy any chocolate lover's craving with a hint of salted pistachios for the perfect balance.

Recipe

1 ripe avocado
1 tsp gluten free baking powder
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 eggs
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1/8 c agave nectar
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp pink Himalayan salt
1/4 cup salted pistachios
1/4 cup raw cocoa nibs

1. Preheat oven to 350 and spray square baking dish.
2. Puree avocado in food processor until smooth and creamy texture achieved (process may take a couple of minutes).
3. Pulse pistachios and raw cocoa nibs until finely chopped; set aside.
4. Add pureed avocado, agave nectar, vanilla, and eggs in mixing bowl and mix. Add almond milk until evenly combined.
5. Add cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and half of pistachio mixture to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Pour mixture in baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and top with remaining pistachio mixture.

Gluten Free Low Sugar Brownie Bread

Brownies are such a decadent treat and are oozing with chocolatey goodness and not to mention calories and sugar. The following recipe gives you the best of the bread and brownie worlds while satisfying your sweet tooth. My husband loves this recipe and doesn't even miss the real thing! I replaced finely ground almonds to replace the flour for a gluten free recipe, but you could also substitute for a whole wheat flour. Enjoy!

Recipe:

1/4 c raw cocoa powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 c melted organic unrefined coconut oil

1 mashed ripe banana

1/2 c amber agave nectar 

1 egg

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

1 3/4 c finely ground almonds

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease baking dish

2. Place approximately 4 cups (may need additional or fewer) raw almonds and place in food processor; grind until finely ground (almost flour like in texture and should make approximately 2 cups)

3. Combine oil, banana, and nectar and blend until light and fluffy.

4. Add egg and vanilla and mix until evenly combined

5. Combine dry ingredients in small bowl and add to wet ingredients. 

6. Place batter in greased pan approximately 20-25 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick and take it out without residue.