If you've never tasted raw brownies, you're in for a treat. They are a healthy-yet-decadent treat, and are even better with the addition of reishi mushroom powder. Reishi is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality” in Chinese medicine, it’s the most famous of all mushrooms. Some of reishi's many health benefits include: 

• Immune System Nourisher; reishi contains over 100 different polysaccharides – the active constituents that support immune function. 
• Promotes the body’s innate resistance to pathogens.
• Supports liver health

Reishi’s flavor is earthy and bitter. In fact the more bitter, the higher the quality. Don't let that scare you away – reishi is easy to drink in a tea and also goes very well with chocolate, which is why this recipe works so well.

I N G R E D I E N T S

For the Brownies:

1 cup pecans (you can sub walnuts, but I like pecans)

1 cup packed pitted dates

¼ cup nut butter of choice (almond, sunflower seed butter, etc.)

5 tablespoons raw cacao powder

4 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut

2 tsp reishi mushroom powder

2 tsp real vanilla extract or 1 tsp vanilla bean powder

¼ tsp salt

For the Frosting:

½ cup mashed avocado

¼ cup coconut cream

¼ cup nut butter of choice (almond, sunflower seed butter, etc.)

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup cacao powder

2 Tbsp coconut butter (or more nut butter)

1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ tsp vanilla bean powder

D I R E C T I O N S

1. Place pecans into a food processor (use the S blade), and process until the pecans are small and crumbly.

2. Add dates to the pecans and process again until the mixture sticks together and the dates are broken down.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor (nut butter, cacao powder, shredded coconut, reishi mushroom powder, vanilla, salt) and process until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Don't over process. Stop before it gets too buttery. The dates should be broken down and the mixture should hold together when pressed. 

4. Dump the mixture into a brownie dish or small cake pan and press it down firmly using your clean hands. Place in the fridge to set. 

5. Add all the frosting ingredients into a blender and blend until silky smooth. Pour into a bowl and place the frosting in the fridge to firm up, about 2-4 hours.

6. Time to frost the brownies! To top: sprinkle some cacao nibs and shredded coconut, if desired. Serve. Store any leftover brownies in the fridge.

If you're into adding more reishi mushroom in your diet, here are two other ways I love including reishi: Reishi Tea and Cacao + Reishi Fat Snacks – aka: fat bombs or keto candy {Gluten-Free, Vegan, Keto}

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods