Raw Coconut Brownie Bites

After meeting so many inspiring people in the raw food community in 2008, I decided to actively explore living foods on a much more conscious level this year. While I have no intentions of giving up cooked foods, coffee, or red wine (which is raw!), I do plan on following a healthier vegan diet in 2009. To kick off my plan, I'm trading in my typical chocolatey sweets for these subtly sweet raw coconut brownie bites. 

1 cup raw pecans (soaked)

1 cup raw walnuts (soaked)

1 cup dates (soaked/pitted)

1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

3/4 cup raw agave nectar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (non-alcohol)

1/3 cup distilled water

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons raw coconut shreds (plus more for topping)

2 cups flax seed meal

Combine all ingredients (except coconut shreds and flax meal) in a large food processor. Mix until smooth consistency is reached. Combine mixture with coconut shreds and flax meal in a large bowl and thoroughly mix by hand. In small parchment cups, place a dollop of brownie mixture in each cup. Gently pat down mixture and top with coconut shreds. 

Place all cups on one dehydrator tray and dehydrate on 105 degrees for approximately 7-8 hours. Keep in mind that not all dehydrators are created equal. Dehydrating time may vary, depending on speed and/or desired texture.