Last weekend I had the pleasure of giving a talk at a local library on how to “Cut The Sugar”. Now if you know me at all, you know that I could talk to a wall for an extended period of time, especially about anything health related. Well, public speaking is a little different. All eyeballs are on you, it’s impossible to read anyones brain, and it frankly just makes me uneasy for the most part. But I’ve continued to say yes to speaking opportunities as both a challenge and practice.

Maybe it was because sugar is one of my favorite topics to chat about, but I had SO much fun. It was the first time I truly enjoyed giving a talk from start to finish, without any nerves. It definitely helped that the group was incredibly interactive, warm, and receptive. We obviously ended with these salted chocolate brownie bites. They only require a handful of ingredients, yet have such an amazing, deep chocolate flavor. But let’s be real, salt + chocolate is truly the best match in all the land.

PS: these bites are both gluten free, vegan, and free from refined sugars!

Salted chocolate brownie bites rolled in coconut shreds on a white plate.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 0

Servings 12 balls

Equipment

1 food processor

Ingredients

1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
½ cup small coconut flakes
1 cup almond flour
½ cup cacao or cocoa powder
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

If dates are hard or dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften. Drain.
Add coconut flakes, almond flour, cacao powder, and salt to a food processor and pulse to combine.
Add in the pitted dates, along with vanilla and melted coconut oil.
Mix until fully combined, adding water 1 tbsp at a time if it's too dry and needs help coming together. The mix should be slightly sticky but not wet.
Roll into 12 balls. Add some more of the coconut flakes into a small bowl and toss each ball around to coat.