Recipe for Thanksgiving - Chocolate Pecan Pie

Most of us know that thanksgiving is not about a holiday that comes once a year.  Rather it is about a way of being - showing gratitude and being grateful.  When we are authentically grateful (full of gratitude), we start to see that there are so many blessings in our lives, so much for which we can give thanks.  


When we give, there is so much more that we can receive.  It is important to pause and give thanks daily.  By giving thanks for family, friends, good health, and the food that nourishes our bodies, we are acknowledging the blessings we have received each day.  


In that moment, when we pause, recall our blessings, and offer thanksgiving, we are doing something truly divine.  In that moment, we are no longer bound by guilt, blame, shame, and stress; rather we are freed by recognizing that there is something in the world so much greater than our own egocentric selfishness.  To offer thanksgiving really is a selfless act, for it is an act of giving to others and giving to God.

photograph by Jon-Erik Lido

Recipe for Thanksgiving - Chocolate Pecan Pie

The filling - combine in a Vita-Mix or powerful blender:

• 1 1/4 large avocados (or 1 1/2 - 2 small ones)
• 2-3 TB raw honey (or agave or grade B maple syrup) - more/less to taste
• 1/2 cup soaked raisins (reserve the water)
• 4-5 soaked dates (reserve the water)
• 2 cups raw pecans (preferably soaked for 8-12 hours)
• 2/3 cup raw chocolate powder
• pinch of sea salt
• optional: 1/8 inch of vanilla bean
• additional filtered water if needed for blending

The crust - combine in a food processor until a crumbly consistency has been reached:

• 1 cup raw pecans (preferably soaked and dehydrated)
• 1 cup raw walnuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated)
• 7-8 dates
• pinch of sea salt
• optional: 3 TB (or more) raw cacao nibs 

Final step: Press the crust into a pie plate then pour in the filling.  Garnish with pecans.

This is a dessert that is truly good for you.  Pecans are a wonderful source of vitamin E and antioxidants.  Read more about their nutritional value by clicking here.  Both chocolate and pecans are foods that nourish the cardiovascular system and may assist in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. 


In preparing and eating this delicious dessert, consider your blessings and offer thanksgiving.  Share this divine treat with your family and friends.  When we give, there is so much more for us to receive.


What to do with the leftover avocado?  If you decide to store it for later, keep in the pit and enclose it in the skin, then wrap with plastic wrap.  I suggest using it to make a salsa, guacamole, or salad.  Perhaps use it to make a smoothie with fresh orange juice, banana, and berries.