Gluten-Free Chocolate and Pecan Brownies

Gluten-Free Chocolate and Pecan Brownies

A heavenly Pecan treat for chocolate lovers.
Makes 20 pieces Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
100g pecans, coarsely chopped
150g dairy-free margarine
150g 70% cocoa dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
35g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder
80ml (1/3 cup) hot water
150g good-quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped
270g (1 1/3 cups) firmly packed brown sugar
40g (1/3 cup) Pecan meal
60g (1/3 cup) rice flour
50g (1/3 cup) gluten-free plain flour
4 eggs
Pure icing sugar to dust

Method
1.Preheat oven to 180°C. Line the base and sides of a square 23cm (base measurement) cake pan with non-stick baking paper, allowing it to overhang
2. Spread the Pecans over a baking tray and bake in oven for 5 minutes or until toasted. Set aside to cool
3. Combine margarine, dark chocolate, cocoa and water in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan half-filled with simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir for 8 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat
4. Add the Pecans, white chocolate, sugar, almond meal and combined flours, and stir until well combined
5. Use an electric beater to beat the eggs in a bowl for 5 minutes or until thick and pale. Use a metal spoon to gently fold half the egg into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Repeat with the remaining egg
6. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and bake in oven for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside to cool

7. Dust with icing sugar and cut into pieces to serve

There is no need to watch your waistline this Christmas with pecans on the menu as they are packed full of essential nutrients, containing over 19 vitamins and minerals to keep us staying healthy.

The versatile nut can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, whether it be used in stuffing or the main ingredient for the popular pecan pie, to adding crunch to a salad, pecans are the perfect ingredient for your Christmas feast.

Pecans also help in keeping your heart healthy, lowering cholesterol and contain five times more antioxidants than raw broccoli.