Raw Vegan Brownies (gf, df, sf, ef)

In my quest for better health,
I recently went on an elimination diet.
For 5 weeks,
I gave up coffee, dairy, eggs, grains, 
nuts & seeds, sweeteners, wheat,
and a few assorted other things.
Chocolate and sugar were on that list,
and it has been quite a challenge doing without
my favorite sweet treat.
The only real "junk food" I ate 
was my daily handful of dark chocolate chips.
Now my diet is beyond clean,
but it didn't stop me from looking for substitutes.

Next week I plan to go into more detail 
about what I learned
and provide some fabulous resources for clean eating.
I happened upon this wonderful raw brownie recipe
that contains NO SUGAR, which has been
a fairly big obstacle in creating sweet treats.
A few of the ingredients were changed,
as I wanted to use what I had on hand.

I'm adding the link underneath the title of the recipe,
so you can go and check out the creator's amazing website.
I was able to get her cookbook at the library,
so I'll be spending some time this weekend
finding some deliciousness to enjoy.

5-Minute Espresso Walnut Brownies
(Minimalist Baker)

1 1/2 C walnuts or pecans
1 C almonds (I also used pumpkin seeds)
2-2 1/2 C pitted dates
1 C cocoa powder
2 t coffee grounds
pinch salt

~Process almonds and almost all of the walnuts/pecans.
~Add cocoa, coffee and salt.  Pulse.  Remove from processor.
 ~Add dates and process until small bits appear.  Remove.
~Add nut mixture back to processor and drop date bits in.
~Add mixture to parchment-lined baking dish.
~Add remaining nuts on top.
~Combine and press into pan.
~Place in fridge or freezer before cutting.

Will keep 2 weeks in fridge or 2 months in freezer.
Makes about 20 bars.