Mint Chocolate Brownies

Similar to my Almond Cocoa Balls, these brownies are no-cook and use walnuts instead of almonds. The mint / peppermint extract creates a delicious minty taste (I love mint chocolate). I got the recipe from the Chocolate Covered Katie blog.

I've never used walnuts in baking/cooking before - preferring to use almonds and cashews - and was interested to see a nut comparison. The University of Michigan Health System created a whole guide to the different varieties of nuts. It's very informative!

Although nuts have a high fat content, their healthy fatty acid profile, together with their high protein, vitamin and minerals, makes a serving (28g/1oz) a nutritious and healthy option - as long as the nuts aren't covered in salt!

When compared to most traditional brownies that contain, flour, dairy, sugar and eggs, this version is a great alternative. With only 5 ingredients, it's simple and easy to make. A Starbucks Chocolate Chunk Brownie has 14 ingredients, with the first and largest component being sugar, followed by chocolate, wheat flour, eggs, oil, more chocolate, more sugar (brown rice syrup), butter, cream, water, salt, baking powder, natural flavor (?), and maltitol (sugar alcohol)!

The nutritional information for these mint chocolate brownies is below. Whilst I admit each brownie isn't equal to a Starbucks brownie (84g), even half of a Starbucks one still has more calories, fat, carbohydrates, sugars, cholesterol and sodium. My version has more fiber and protein which is great for satisfying hunger and still tastes chocolaty and sweet; perfect for my sweet tooth!

In addition, I reserved the warm water I used to soak the dates as it was sweet and fruity. I will add a spoonful to my morning porridge instead of honey. It will also be ideal for smoothies, ice cream or stirred into non-fat Greek yogurt.

Mint Chocolate Brownies
Makes 10 brownies
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 120g / 4oz walnuts
- 160g / 6oz dates, dried
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- 25g / 5tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1/4 - 1/2tsp mint / peppermint extract

Method:

Chop the walnuts or blend in a food processor.

Soak the dates to soften and then add to the food processor along with the walnuts, vanilla extract and cocoa powder.

Add a few drops of mint / peppermint extract, adding more as desired  (I use 1/2tsp).
Form into squares, balls or bars. Refrigerate for a few hours until the brownies are firm. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information: