“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
Once known, one cannot un-know a thing like dessert. Is it possible, though, to make a healthy dessert that is still undeniably... a dessert???
With a little creativity, yes! And it turns out it's very simple! I give you, PECAN POWER PIE!!!
If made with the cashew-based Money Crust, the Pecan Power Pie has no grains or gluten, no refined sugar, is high in protein and fiber, and unlike traditional syrup-based pecan pies, this one doesn't need to set for several hours: it can be made fresh and kept warm or served as soon as it is cool enough to eat! Dates contain plenty of sugar, so none extra is needed. Fresh organic pecans are so buttery and delicious on their own, the butter won't be missed! Organic ingredients are important on this recipe though, for best flavor: you're worth it. In the absence of readily available and reliable pesticide data for most nuts (EPA tolerances are in place, but only "10-15 food commodities" are actually tested by them, and the USDA doesn't check anything but almonds), I can say anecdotally that my palate gets palpably irritated by non-organic walnuts and pecans, so I avoid them and only buy organic nuts.
In addition to the ingredients for The Money Crust (mostly raw cashews...), you will need:
One pound of fresh date flesh (pitted)
One tablespoon of water
Three large eggs
Three cups whole pecans, shelled
Rounded quarter-cup scoop of shredded coconut
Tablespoon cinnamon, teaspoon nutmeg, teaspoon salt, pinch or two of allspice
Prepare a Money Crust with a dash of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and a few drops of vanilla in it.
On a large cookie sheet, spread pecans and shredded coconut evenly and toast at 375F for about 5 minutes.
While those toast, in a food processor pulse the dates, water, eggs and spices (EXCEPT for the allspice) into a thick whipped puree. Once the dates are evenly blended, empty the food processor into a large mixing bowl and fold in the toasted whole pecans and shredded coconut until evenly mixed.
"Because, 'Power Strudel' doesn't sound as good. And anyway, I didn't use phyllo dough."
Add the pecan-date mixture to the pre-baked Money Crust in spoonfuls, evenly filling the crust before spreading the mix to fill gaps and create an even top. The mixture doesn't expand or change shape during baking, so smooth it over till it looks edible, and if you want to make it look more presentable with an arrangement of pecans or sliced green apples, follow your heart. Adding cooked and drained uncured bacon pieces and some fine organic coffee grounds at this stage would transform it into pecan power pemmican pie, but be careful because that might blow minds. Sprinkle the allspice evenly over the top.
Nothing whets a healthy appetite like money and power.
Bake at 375F for 25-30 minutes. Fork test should come out clean. I won't discourage you from putting whipped cream on it, if that's your bag, but there are amazing alternatives.
Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers, and reheat individual servings as desired.
Enjoy!!!