World Vegetarian Day on 1 October is a great campaign that promotes ethical food choices in relation to animal rights and the environmental impacts of non-plant based food consumption. We have chosen to support this campaign and highlight these scrumptious brownies from Power Super Foods to mark the occasion!

1/2 cup raw cacao nibs 

1/2 cup coconut sugar 

10 drops vanilla essence
1 Tbsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
3 cups milk (or milk alternative) 
2/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce or pumpkin puree
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup pecans or roasted walnuts 
1 cup goji berries (soaked in warm water to soften for 10 minutes) 

1 cup unsweetened coconut

Ingredients for Almond Cacao Icing

1 cup milk (or milk substitute) 

3 Tbsp raw cacao powder 

3 Tbsp almond butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 Tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup
1 Tbsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 Tbsp water

method

1. Preheat oven to 165º C and grease an 11 x13 3L pan with coconut oil. 2. Sift dry ingredients.
3. Blend wet ingredients.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients and stir to mix well. Add nuts and goji berries.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool before icing - garnish Brownies with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings

Almond Cacao Icing

1. Combine milk, carob powder, almond butter and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. 
2. Add arrowroot/water mixture and gently boil until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and add honey or maple syrup.