Raw Brownies

5 ounces pecans (about 1½ cups)

7 ounces Medjool dates (about 20), pitted

3 tablespoons raw cacao powder

2 tablespoons maple syrup, optional

Pulse the pecans in a food processor until they form a crumbly mixture, then add the dates, cacao and maple syrup, if using, and blend again. Once the mixture is very sticky, take it out of the processor and put it into an 8-by-8 inch baking dish or pan. Freeze the brownies for one hour to let them set and then store them in the fridge.

Serves 10 to 15.

Nutrition values per serving (based on 15): 163 calories (30 percent from fat), 38.6 g fat (0.6 g saturated), 27.7 g carbohydrates, 2.7 g fiber, 23.3 g sugars, 1.7 g protein, 0 cholesterol, 1 mg sodium.

"Deliciously Ella" by Ella Woodward (Scribner, 2015)