Gluten-Free Chocolate Almond Butter Blondies Recipe

In honour of Valentine's Day, I had the idea to make up a meal using foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs. With this in mind, I did a little research on which foods get the party started, so to speak. I was startled, then, when I discovered that out of the top ten foods for increasing your sex drive and getting you in the mood for a little something something, I eat eight of them on a weekly—and sometimes even daily—basis. How am I not on fire all the time? How is my husband still walking around normally, instead of slumped in an exhausted puddle at his desk? I do not know.

What I do know, is that this recipe is delicious, vegan, gluten free, and it incorporates two highly aphrodisiac foods. In ancient times, almonds were regarded as fertility symbols and supposedly make women mad with passion—and in any case they are high in Vitamin E, magnesium, and fibre, so it's hard to go wrong. Chocolate is also an aphrodisiac—as anyone knows who has given or received a heart-shaped box on Valentine's Day—it contains chemicals that release dopamine in the pleasure centres of the brain and is thought to increase excitement and attraction. Rawr.  

Therefore, this recipe is not only addictively delicious, but also very, very sexy. Make a batch of these blondies, and then have some fun.

NOTE: quinoa flour is available in most grocery stores, but it's very easy to make your own by grinding uncooked quinoa in a coffee grinder, food processor, or high powered blender. Embrace your inner Ma Ingalls and grind your own flour! The ratio is approximately 1:1 for quinoa to quinoa flour, but always measure to be sure.

Ingredients:

  In a small bowl, whisk together ground flax and water and set in the refrigerator.

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease an 8x8 baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. The parchment paper will allow you to easily take the blondies out of the pan, with no sticking.

  Using an electric mixer, beat together coconut oil and almond butter. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the flax mixture, and beat until smooth.

  In a medium bowl, stir together quinoa flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

  Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

  Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving. Enjoy!