Paleo Salted Caramel Brownies

A few years ago Starbucks started making a salted caramel mocha that was to die for. I was in undergrad when I discovered it and unfortunately for me (and my budget) there was a Starbucks on campus. I was avidly working out at the time, but I realize now no amount of time on the elliptical could make up for the crap I was consuming from that white cardboard cup with the weird green mermaid logo. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Starbucks. In fact, I think if you want to buy stock in something it should probably be Starbucks. America is addicted to coffee and even more addicted to the idea of being one of those business people always sucking caffeine out of one of their cups. Here's the thing though, Starbucks isn't actually ALL that creative when it comes to flavor combinations. Salted caramel and chocolate? I bet the cavemen thought that up. Here is my version of a salted caramel and chocolate treat, Paleo style.

Paleo Salted Caramel Brownies:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup organic maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup roasted macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
• 1/2 cup Enjoy Life Chips
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. In a separate bowl whisk eggs, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Add wet ingredients to dry and fold in nuts, cherries, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Put in fridge for an hour before serving. Store in fridge and reheat.

Paleo Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup raw organic honey
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Sea salt

Heat maple syrup and organic honey over medium heat. As soon as you see bubbles turn the heat down to low and stir continuously for about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Return to heat for an additional 3 minutes. Pour over brownies and sprinkle sea salt on top.

*I'm not going to tell you how many calories these have. Just pace yourself.