Are you preparing to kick 2018 goodbye and rock 2019? Here’s a good start: with Chocolate cheesecake…

But… not really “cheesecake”. It’s #vegan. #grainfree. #norefinedsugar. Here’s when you say “But whyyyyyy??? That’s no fun.” But it IS! I promise. I’m not going to write about anything that I don’t believe in and this will satisfy even your most dessert worthy cravings. And you guys, I’m not vegan. I was for a number of years way back but I’m not anymore. I’m not even vegetarian. I have zero issue with the way anyone chooses to eat. All I want to do is show some additional, natural options that may benefit you. If it does, sweet. Or you can ditch all of it and not listen to anything I say. You do you because we all need a little more peace in our lives and a little less arguing. I have friends who are vegan and I have friends who are hunters. I think there are benefits to both worlds but I digress. This is a post about dessert and not a soapbox for who’s “right” or “wrong”.

So, annnywayyyyy… I have a confession. My doctor told me months ago to keep all grains out of my diet. ALL GRAINS. Friends, a warm baguette is one of my favorite things on earth. I could eat pizza every day. Scones? Yes please! The buttery graham cracker crust on a cheesecake? My favorite part! And she said: Nope. None of that. And after not listening to her, waking up daily with extreme joint pain, swelling, stomach pain and inflammation plus a very painful visit to my massage therapist, I relented. So grain free it is. And within 5 days, I can physically feel the difference. #damnthyroid #listentoyourdoctor

But I wanted something chocolaty and delicious and brownie like. So this came about. Tweaked from a mix of a few recipes, this chocolate raw cake is amazing.

A creamy blend of cashews with raw cacao and maple syrup on a “crust” of walnuts, dates and coconut butter and topped with a smooth layer of raw cacao, almond butter and a bit of maple syrup. Grain free, vegan and no refined sugar – I promise, if you have a few guests at your NYE party with food restrictions (unless it’s nuts, sorry!) this will satisfy everyone.

So…how does eating this benefit you? Why not just eat plain ol’ chocolate cheesecake?

About the Cashew part:

Cashews have less calories, less saturated fat, higher DV calcium and Vitamin D, less carbohydrates and less sugar than their dairy equivalent. So, it’s like, healthy, to eat this. In moderation, people.

And that Raw Cacao:

1.  40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries

Raw Cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries.  It has an amazing ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at a mere 2,400.  ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and toxins in our environment), which cause cell and tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer.

2.  Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron

Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g.  This compares to beef and lamb at 2.5mg, and spinach at 3.6mg.  Note the iron in cacao is non-heme (as is all plant-based iron), so to get the maximum benefits you’ll want to combine it with some vitamin C.

3.  Full of Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain

Raw Organic Cacao is also one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world.  Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and helps turn glucose into energy enabling your brain to work with laser-sharp clarity and focus.

4.  More Calcium Than Cow’s Milk

Raw Organic Cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk would you believe, at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.

5.  A Natural Mood Elevator and Anti-Depressant

Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine.  These neurotransmitters are associated with cosy feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and can even alleviate depression. (Thanks, Be Good Organics)

Maple Syrup vs White Sugar?

Maple syrup contains Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Riboflavin to name just a few. No, it’s not like crazy high you should just eat maple syrup instead of taking a vitamin but compared to sugar’s ZERO on those above vitamins, it’s well worth the switch. Plus with a glycemic index level of 54 (that’s low! and good!), it’s a more viable option for those looking to control their blood sugar and still enjoy a little treat.

So here ya go- the Recipe:

For the base:

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup almond flour

3 medjool dates

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

pinch of pink salt