Hey there, chocolate lover! 🍫
Ever notice how that chocolate craving hits hard right before your period? Well, guess what? Your body might just be onto something!
A little dark chocolate during your luteal phase isn't just delicious - it could be downright medicinal. Here's why:
Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, helping your body fight off oxidative stress. It's like having a tiny army of defenders in every bite!
It's rich in magnesium, which might help ease those pesky menstrual cramps. Less pain, more gain!
So, to satisfy your sweet tooth AND nourish your body, I've whipped up something special: Gluten-free Sweet Potato Chocolate Brownies.
This recipe is my luteal phase secret weapon, inspired by the brilliant minds at Minimalist Baker and Usha Unandi from Womben Wellness but with a few tweaks to make it perfect for your cycle.
Ready to bake your way to hormone harmony? Let's dive in!
GLUTEN-FREE SWEET POTATO BROWNIES
Ingredients
• 1 cup sweet potato purée
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (I sometimes skip this)
• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 ½ Tbsp butter, melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cacao powder (opt for organic and unprocessed cacao, if possible)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2/3 cup ground oats
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (soaked overnight, if possible)
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (I go for 85% Dark or higher)
INSTRUCTIONS (Your Path to Chocolatey Bliss!)
1. Sweet Potato Prep:
• Peel and halve one sweet potato.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
• Mash in a bowl or food processor. Set aside. (Pro tip: This can be done ahead of time!)
2. Oven Ready:
• Preheat to 350°F (176°C).
• Line a baking pan with parchment paper. (Trust me, future you will thank you for easy clean-up!)
3. Mix It Up:
• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sweet potato purée, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and butter (or coconut oil).
• Stir in cacao powder, sea salt, and baking powder.
• Add gluten free oat flour and mix until you get a thick, scoopable batter. (If it's running, add a bit more flour. Too thick? A splash of plant milk works wonders!)
4. Bake to Perfection:
• Pour batter into your pan and spread evenly. (A rubber spatula is your best friend here!)
• Sprinkle with chopped almonds and chocolate chips if you're feeling extra indulgent.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes. They're done when the edges look slightly dry and a fork comes out mostly clean from the center.
5. The Waiting Game:
• Let cool in the pan for 30-60 minutes. (I know it's hard, but patience is a virtue!)
• Lift out, slice, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestion: These beauties are divine warm or at room temp. Pair with your favorite cup of ginger tea for the ultimate luteal phase treat!
Remember, baking is an art, not a science. Feel free to tweak and make these brownies your own.
Happy baking, and even happier eating! 🍫🍠
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