Raw Walnut Brownies

Certainly, there are many great holidays.  Although if I have a choice, my favorite days of the year to celebrate are

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birthdays, and this month we celebrated mine

Age has certainly brought many things, and out of them all, perspective is one I’m probably the most grateful for.  For the first time, I’m stopping to pause, the way I remember older people doing when I was a kid.  A slight bit of mental head-scratching,  calculating backward to 1971.

I’m 44

Before I got here, the notion of turning 40 was always curious to me.  I’d watch as others approached it with a strange sense of dread, smiling awkwardly at gifts like black balloons

Was it true that everything familiar and good was about to start to decline?  That life was really half over?  Why was it assumed that the second half would be worse than the first?  What about this newfound sense of urgency?  All of the things in life they’d still like to do, let’s best be after them

Maybe I’m the eternal optimist, but admittedly my experience has been a bit different.  Instead, I’ve been thankful for my 40s, as they’ve proven to be the best decade yet.

There’s a sense of comfort in my own skin.  I’m calmer and far more centered, with a truer sense of priorities and what matters most at any given moment.  It’s comforting to be established in a career, a little money set aside for a rainy day, having learned how to nurture solid relationships with friends and family, and become a little smarter along the way.

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I look at pictures of myself and realize the wrinkles on my forehead, will only deepen from here. Certainly, there are times I wish for magic potion with promises take them away, though instead, I’m choosing a different paradigm.  One centered on gratitude for what they symbolize, the times of learning and growth, wisdom, and perspective.

A few, such as these that I hold close to my heart

Never wonder, never assume, simply ask the question

It’s not what you eat that’s important.  It’s what you’re able to digest

Don’t be easily offended. Most people really are good, and simply trying their best

No matter what you do, there are those who will neither like nor understand you.  It’s ok

Don’t buy jeans that are too small; they won’t motivate you to lose those last 10 pounds.  Trust me on this.

Keep music on, wherever you are.  There aren’t many things that lighten my spirit and soul like humming along to a song I love

 I used to think everyone but me had it all together.  They don’t.  Everyone’s winging it.  Some just do it with a lot more confidence.

The choices of our children make us neither a good parent nor a bad parent

If there’s one thing you should do for your health, today and long-term, it’s learning how to manage your stress

The women in my life are priceless

Eight hours of continuous sleep is one of life’s ultimate pleasures.

Never be afraid to take a path the world views as unconventional.  I’ve roamed many of them, and regret nothing.

You really need very little.  Learn to want very little as well

There’s no happier way to start one’s day than making fresh pancakes, with puppies at your feet

Always, always, listen to your gut (and have the courage to act).  Mine’s proven right every time

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Step out of your comfort zone.  I’ve always been happy I did

Surround yourself with wise people.  Learn to recognize when it’s time to ask for and follow their advice

Being kind is far more important than being right

There’s no purer form of love than that which comes from an animal

Guard your mind, heart, and spirit with everything you have. Be conscious of where you’re putting your energies and focus each day.  There are millions of shiny distractions

Never covet another person’s yard. The “grass is always greener” mentality can be such a dangerous neighborhood

None of us are any better than anyone else.  When the chips were down, we were fortunate enough to have resources to help pull us up and out

Sugar makes your mind mushy.  There’s a balance in between life’s treats, Friday night wine dates, and the sweet acceptance that most days are better celebrated with a clear head and calm heart.

Three ingredients: dates, cocoa powder, and nuts.  Stick them in a food processor, store them in the fridge, and you’ll have a decadent (semi-nutritious) brownie batter.

This raw brownie recipe has become one of my favorite snacks.  Probably because it’s easy and turns out perfectly every time. Walnuts, dates, cacao powder, and sea salt combine in a food processor to create a surprisingly delicious snack.

(Top with peanut butter chocolate fudge for special occasions)

Made with whole foods, naturally sweetened, they’re rich, chewy, and filled with chocolate flavor.  No baking required.  A small bite proves just enough to satisfy a sweet craving.

A couple of other tips

Add a tablespoon of cacao nibs into the mix after processing for a crunchy texture.

You can also use this raw brownie recipe as a pie crust or as chocolatey raw truffles.

Enjoy!

xoxo

ps:  Can use any combination of cacao powder, unsweetened cocoa powder. If you’re a protein powder user, that can be used as well.

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~ Adapted from Whole Foods