Fudgey Blueberry Chocolate Brownie Recipe

Inspiration for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day can mean just three things - lips, love and chocolate. So why not make this divine sticky, fudgey blueberry chocolate brownie that is not too sweet and indulge a little treat knowing your baked goodies are made with delicious beauty foods in body loving proportions. In case you don't know, it is the high level of sugar and fat in brownies that gives you the ooey gooeey texture you love! Quick-to-make and with blueberries, cacao, coconut oil and hazelnuts, why not whip up a batch and indulge in a little sunset picnic?

BEAUTY BENEFITS

When sugars make up a large part of our diet we should be worrying about our complexion as sugar ages your skin by speeding up the breakdown thru glycation of elastin and collagen, 2 key proteins that provide the 'elasticity' and 'scaffolding' of skin. But eating sugar sensibly, every so often in small amounts and with more complex carbohydrates and other macro nutrients such as fat and protein is something our body can handle because this combination slows down and minimises our insulin levels spiking that causes glycation. Tho this brownie recipe contains a cup of rapadura - organic evaporated cane sugar - it also contains a large proportions of pureed fruit high in fibre, nut meal, coconut oil and fresh eggs. Vitamin E in coconut oil and hazelnuts moisturises and rejuvenates your skin, while helping to protect your hair, keeping it strong and lush. Cacao powder ranked at the top of the antioxidant rating ORAC chart (oxygen radical absorbance capacity chart), is a super food packed full of antioxidants to keep your skin smooth and radiant promoting your natural beauty. Blueberries contain anthocyanains, a phytonutrient which prevents your retina from damage from UV rays from the sun. This will help your eyes maintain a bright appearance, perfect for love gazing! While hazelnuts contain calcium and magnesium which work to build and retain strong teeth. Check this indulgent beauty brownie off your pamper list to keep you gorgeous for your special V day romances!

FUDGEY BLUEBERRY CHOCOLATE BROWNIE RECIPE

1 hr wo to go | gluten free | dairy free

YOU'LL NEED

3 eggs 1 cup rapadura sugar (loosely packed) 3/4 cup raw cacao 200ml coconut oil (melted) 1/2 tspn baking soda 1 tspn baking powder 2 tspn vanilla 2 cups blueberries (frozen &/or organic is perfect) 2 cups hazelnut meal (or almond or walnut - make sure it is really fine so the brownie is not bitsy)

HOW TO

1. Turn oven on to 160C. Ensure shelf is in middle position.
2. Into a medium size bowl (I use stainless steel) add the first 7 ingredients and whisk by hand til well combined. You can add eggs and sugar first - whisk really well then add others - it does not matter.
3. Blend (I use a Vitamix) the blueberries til a fine pure. Add to bowl.
4. Mix in blueberry puree til well combined
5. Add hazelnut meal, mix till well combined.
6. Pour into lamington tin loosely lined with a piece of unbleached baking paper. Make sure you level the batter into the corner and flatten off. Drop tin seveal times on bench top to ensure you have got rid of any large air bubbles to create a fine , even texture.
7. Bake for 25mins or until surface is soft to touch but springs back.
8. When completely cool, frost.
9. Store in fridge until eaten. Just cut off small squares - this is extremely rich.

FROSTING

In a bowl combine 1/2 cup raw cacao, 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted & cool), 2 egg yolks and 3 tblspns blueberry or maple syrup. Whisk until thick & glossy. Chill in fridge 10 minutes til firm then spread on brownie.

TIPS & TRICKS

• Don't over cook the blueberry chocolate brownie or you will dry it out.
• It will be even more richer and stickier if made the day before, it gives the flavours a chance to intensify and the good oils to mingle.
• Due to the egg yolks being used in the frosting to keep it smooth and creamy not a melty mess, the frosted brownies are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Cut the blueberry chocolate brownie up into squares after they have been chilled.
• Instead of icing you could dust the blueberry chocolate brownie with a dried raspberry powder.
• To keep the sugar per serve down, have a smaller portion. It is extremely rich so you really don't need more than a bite or 2.
• For Valentines Day - why not wrap up a blueberry chocolate brownie and make them into little love packages? Don't forget to add a heart swing tag or sticker with a message.