Chocolate Brownie Shake with Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

I bet you wouldn't believe me if I told you this was healthy. And vegan.

But it's true! This is indeed a healthier, vegan version of a fudgy chocolate brownie shake - that's still incredibly delectable. You can really have your cake and eat it too.

Let me explain.

About 9 years ago, my mum came down with a cold during a very busy period of sewing formal suits and gowns for graduating high school students. The cold was a tough one, lasting for almost two weeks and still no end in sight. She decided to go to the doctors and hopefully get some medication to force the cold away and have her feeling well again soon. My mum never liked going to the doctor's (do any of us?), so I decided to accompany her.

After a few general blood tests and an hour or so in the waiting room, we finally sat down with the doctor and waited for her to prescribe a standard cold and flu medication. The doctor looked over the results, then typing some words on her computer keyboard she said, "So you have Diabetes".

My mum and I paused for a moment, looked at each other, then back at the doctor.

"I'm sorry, what?" My mum asked her.

The doctor repeated herself again, a confusing casualness about the way she said it, as if it were no surprise. But at the time, it was diagnosed as Type 2 - often due to a diet that is not healthy or balanced. But my mum had a reasonably healthy diet, with the occasional piece of chocolate cake here and there and she had no family history of Diabetes. None of it made sense.

It was from this point on that my mum's life changed and she had to implement strict diets, a lot less carbs and barely any sugar into her diet.

Some years went by, and after a lot of research, environmental awareness and a well informed Netflix doco called 'What the Health' - our household gradually became vegan. It was certainly a process to transition, coming from an orginal diet that involved a fair amount of meat and a lot of cheese.

We moved to Sydney and my mum went to a new doctor. One who informed her she had been misdiagnosed and actually had Type 1 Diabetes. It was a relief to be clear on it all but it meant my mum couldn't rely on diet alone anymore. She had to now take Insulin every day.

But my mum has always been a strong woman. Always believed everything happens for a reason and always taught us to have faith in things, no matter what we may come up against.

With a passion for cooking, an itching to start something new and a desire to be able to eat the treats she used to love before, she decided to start her own Youtube channel. A channel dedicated to sharing everyone's favourite desserts but made vegan and with healthier alternatives.

Who would have thought a ferrero rocher could be made vegan (and healthy)? Or a creme brulee tart? New York cheesecake, carrot cake cookies, whiskey ice cream - the recipes are endless.

My mum's passion for turning people's favourite treats vegan and healthy -so everyone can enjoy them, is something I always admire. No matter what happens in life, you can make it through and sometimes you even make it out stronger than before.

This brownie shake with fudgy chocolate brownies is not only rich, decadent and delicious but it's healthier too. A guilty pleasure without the guilt, I'll keep it from you no longer! Enjoy!

Chocolate Brownie Shake with Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

• 2 tb flax powder mixed with 6 tb water
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup nut butter
• 2 + 1/2 tb maple syrup
• 2 tb coconut sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup cacao powder
• 1/2 cup almonds (almond flour)
• 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao)

Method:

First mix together the flax and water and let sit to thicken. Blend the almonds till fairly fine (or use almond flour), then mix all the ingredients together – lastly adding in the chopped dark chocolate. Spread into a tin lined with baking paper and bake 170 about 20mins. Cool (can put in freezer about 20mins to cool it quickly). You can also make this in advance and store in the fridge or freezer until needed. Cut into squares when cool.

Choc Brownie Shake

Ingredients:

Method:

Blend the cup of brownie pieces and the almond milk till smooth. Pour some melted chocolate inside a tall glass and swirl it around to coat the sides. Pour the brownie mixture in and stir in a few extra brownie pieces. Put in a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. Top with whipped coconut cream and a few more brownie pieces. Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top & enjoy!