No bake Brownie Fifteens

January 29, 2011 By Leanne Vogel July 22, 2015

I woke up this morning to a toe hole in my favourite Burton socks. I cried a little inside. I love those socks. I would have taken a picture but, let’s be honest, foot pictures? eak!

On with the eats…

No bake Vanilla Fifteens were a huge success, high five! [I’m such a nerd]

I have been craving chocolate this week like nobody’s business. This could be why when I tried to make peanut butter Fifteens, they just didn’t seem to taste right to me. I wanted chocolate. [Sorry Jess, sorry Tara – I promise I’ll do PB next time] Although still Fifteens, these babies are slightly different than the last. In comes Spirulina! [I feel like it should be wearing a Super-Man-like cape]

Spirulina

Spirulina and I became best pals after I struggled with protein deficiency while I was vegan. I learned very quickly that the key to a healthful vegan diet is awareness. Awareness of the foods you eat, why you’re eating them, what nutrients they provide, and what nutrients you still need to get in by the end of the day. Do this, and you’re set! [In fact everyone should be aware of the nutrients they’re taking in, but we’ll save that for another conversation] So, who is my pal? Referred to by David Wolfe as the protein queen, Spirulina is a single-celled blue-green spiral algae with huge nutrition benefits. Huh? Simply put, Spirulina contains an astounding variety of nutrients, including chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, major minerals, trace minerals, essential fatty acids, nucleic acids [RNA and DNA], polysaccharides, and a vast spectrum of antioxidants. Spirulina is so rich in nutrition that is it believed by some that you could live on it alone for quite some time [although I don’t suggest it]

consists of 65-71% protein
complete protein source: contains all 8 essential amino acids
rich in vitamin A (beta carotene), B1, B2, B6, E, and K
abundant source of chorophyll, salts, phytonutrients, and enzymes, that help to boost energy and cellular health
is a source of gamma linolenic acid [GLA], an EFA necessary for the health of the nervous system
contains phycocyanin, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-arthritic
rich in B12 and easy-to-absorb iron
boosts immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies

Also, don’t be afraid to cook with Spirulina. It can withstand high temperatures due to it’s conditioning in nature! Gosh, I could go on about Spirulina for days. But I will stop there for today. Excuse me while I go pig out on these Fifteens and finish watching Harry Potter. Happy Saturday! PS: you can find Spirulina in the supplements section in health food stores. I’ve seen it sold at pharmacies like London Drugs, too!

No bake Brownie Fifteens

Author: Leanne Vogel

Recipe type: Vegan, Gluten free, Dairy free

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 5 mins

Total time: 20 mins

Serves: 8 Fifteens

How often can you say the snack you just had helped to strengthen your immunity, feed your cells, and support your nervous system, all in an itty-bitty package? Taking fifteen minutes out of your daily routine to enjoy this healthful snack will leave your body happier, stronger, healthier, and ready to take on anything that comes your way!

Ingredients

12 medjool dates, pits removed
½ cup walnuts + ½ cup crushed walnuts [for topping]
2 teaspoon spirulina
3 tablespoon cacao powder
2 tablespoon cacao nibs

Instructions

Combine all 5 ingredients but walnut topping in a food processor.
Pulse until dates have broken down and walnuts are tip of pen cap sized [about 1 minute].
Roll “dough” into balls and place on a clean surface [I used the counter].
One at a time, place a fifteen in your hand, sprinkle crushed walnuts and roll the ball between your hands to make the walnuts stick to the fifteen. Repeat until there is a good coating on the Fifteen.
Pop in the freezer for 4-5 minutes to harden up [I like them best a bit frozen]

View Nutritional Information (once on page scroll down) What super foods do you rely on, or which are you interested in trying?