Raw Brownies

If you ask me to name my favorite dessert, it is without a doubt brownies.  I came up with this easy raw version. These brownies can be enjoyed cold (more like fudge) or at room temp (more like a brownie).
Raw Brownies

1.5 cups nuts, soaked
1 cup dried and pitted dates, soaked
1 cup cocoa powder
3 tablespoons maple syrup
.5 cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

To soak nuts and dates, place in a bowl and cover with water. Let them sit for 2 hours, then drain the water. This process softens the nuts and fruit for a moist brownie.

- Place dates, nuts, coconut, coconut oil and maple syrup in a food processor and pulse until broken down thoroughly.

- Add cocoa a quarter cup at a time, scrapping down the sides of the processor when needed.

- Add salt and vanilla and pulse until combined and a "dough" forms.

- Transfer to a sprayed 8x8 dish and refrigerate for at least an hour.

- Cut into squares. 

For the nuts, I used equal parts walnuts, cashews and almonds. You can use any nut you prefer or have on hand.

Vanilla extract isn't technically a raw ingredient. For a true raw dessert you can substitute scraped vanilla beans.