MY LIFESTYLE
Mindful
Eating By Izelle Hoffman
Baked raisin and date brownie biscuits 20 MINs
10-15 mins
SERVES 20 biscuits Ingredients
300 g pitted dates, chopped 300 g raisins 150 g almond flour, plus ½ cup extra for rolling 1 Tbsp. caramel essence ¼ cup raw cacao powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting Pinch of Oryx desert salt 50 g whole almonds, roasted 2 tsp raw honey
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C. Line a baking tray with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Soak the dates and raisins in enough hot water to cover for 10–15 minutes. Drain and mash in a mixing bowl. 3. Add the almond flour, caramel essence, cacao powder, cinnamon and salt and mix well to form a soft dough. 4. Using your hands, roll a heaped tablespoon of the dough into a ball, flatten it out and place a roasted almond in the middle. Roll it back into a ball and then roll it in the extra almond flour. To prevent the dough sticking to your hands, spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Once they start to get sticky, wash your hands and spray again. 5. Place the dough ball on the prepared baking tray, flatten slightly and place another roasted almond on top. Repeat with the remainder of the dough. 6. Drizzle the biscuits with the honey, dust with cinnamon and bake for 10–15 minutes. They are meant to be soft and chewy. 7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. 72
2021 • MY VIRTUAL CHALLENGE MAGAZINE
Why do we make use of these ingredients? RAW CACAO Raw cacao contains very high amounts of antioxidants, reduces appetite and helps with weight loss. It alleviates stress, helps manage depression and regulates blood pressure. It is a fantastic source of calcium too. ALMONDS Whether in the form of milk, flour, butter or flakes, almonds are packed with nutritional benefits. They boost the immune system, help repair damaged skin, help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and have alkalising properties. They are also a source of vitamin E, magnesium and high-quality protein. ORYX DESERT SALT What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sundried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible. RAW HONEY Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and antifungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health. CINNAMON Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect. It is antiinflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. DATES Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium, all of which
