This ones for my homies: Fleur de sel zucchini brownies

I know what your thinking…”What, zucchini brownies? How can those be good?” But I am telling you, they are! Real good. I know I may not be a culinary genius, but I do have a knack for good health food. No, they do not taste exactly like the “real” thing, but they are just as satisfying when you’re craving something chocolatey.  I don’t believe in the concept of “all or nothing.” What I do believe however is that  there can be a perfect marriage of flavor and health.  There is no need to walk around restricting yourself only to lead to inevitable failure. Failing, by either caving in and indulging in that sinnly treat, or just walking around deprived and miserable. And then there is that other darker side…eating whatever you want and not being conscious of the consequences.  Sure a brownie won’t kill you (I havent heard yet of a true “death by chocolate”), but eating an unhealthy diet will catch up with you–manifesting fat, diabetes, tooth decay, digestive problems, cancer, depression, etc., and let’s not forget to mention the quality of life. Yes, your diet is directly correlated with the quality of your life.  If you eat junk, you feel like junk.  The problem is so many people feel like junk and don’t even know it.  Feeling ill becomes the norm. The new “norm” I wish to inspire is eating for health and for quality energy.  I wish to empower people to get into the kitchen and to cook with gusto because what you put in your mouth–and the mouths of others–matters, period! What you put in is what you get out.  It is pretty amazing when you feel true health, energy, and vitality. So there you go– are you craving something chocolatey and sweet?  I suggest you go to the grocer, and get the ingredients for this simple recipe. Do it, and don’t forget to pick up the vanilla “froyo” while you’re there. There’s nothing like brownie a la mode.
This recipe is sweetened with honey and is flour-less (Hello bikini-body, and “yes” I am talking to you, gentlemen!). Try using local honey if you can get your hands on it.  It is allergy season after all…

Here is how they get done.

We used peanut butter, but you are welcome to use almond butter.

First, get two cute kids to do all the work 

Add all the ingredients to one bowl including the shredded zucchini.  The recipe calls for a cup and a half which comes out to about one normal size zucchini.

Mix it like you mean it

 Grease the brownie pan with coconut oil.  I used a pie dish… my brownie pan has gone missing!

Yep…that’s itSprinkle a pinch of fleur de sel over top

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes depending on your oven and rack placement.  It should be slightly firm in the middle and golden around the edges.

Here is the very last piece.  Froyo is all gone.  A glass of cold almond milk will have to do. 🙂

I want to dedicate this recipe to my homies. You know who you are. My friends and family are spread all over the world. I love you. I miss you, and cooked this recipe for you. I will enjoy it tonight with local friends, but you and I will be together in spirit.  I look forward to the day I can cook and share a meal with you.  You are my inspiration to make good food. Nothing brings me more pleasure than to prepare, share, and nourish you with my cooking.

Fleur de sel zucchini brownies

pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup shredded zucchini

1 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey 

1 egg whipped

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1 Tablespoon of coconut oil for greasing the pan

1/4 teaspoon of Fleur de sel or sea salt

Mix all ingredients except the sea salt in a bowl .  Pour the batter in greased brownie pan and sprinkle the salt flakes over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes until firm and golden around the edges.