Chocolate Pie is Good For You

[liveonearth]

This pie recipe, adapted by NCNM's Ericha Clare, ND, MAc from Raw Food Made Easy: For 1 or 2 People, has surprising health benefits. Chocolate contains antioxidants, the avocados and nuts have healthy fats, and the dates are a great source of minerals. Plus, there is no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, and no eggs!

No-Bake Healthy Chocolate Pie
Yields one pie.

Crust:
1 1/2 c. raw walnuts (or other raw nut or seed)
1 c. pitted dates (if dry, soak in warm water for 20 minutes)
1 1/2 c. coconut, shredded and unsweetened

Process nuts, dates, and coconut in food processor or chop very fine and mix together. Hand press mixture evenly into bottom and sides of an ungreased pie plate.

Filling:
3 1/2 - 4 small or 2 1/2 large ripe avocados
3/4 c. pitted dates (if dry, soak in warm water for 20 minutes)
1/4 c. honey or agave syrup
3/4 c. cocoa powder
1/2 t. vanilla (optional)
1/2 c. water (or less) for processing

In food processor, process dates and honey or agave syrup until smooth. Add avocado, then the cocoa and vanilla. Continue processing, slowly adding water as needed to create a mousse-like texture. Adjust cocoa and honey or agave syrup to taste.

Spoon filling into the prepared crust. For best results, chill pie at least two hours before serving. Garnish with fresh fruit or nuts.