I absolutely love to bake. There’s something very special about mixing a few ingredients, popping it in the oven and seeing it transform into something warm and delicious. I used to bake a lot but recently struggle to find the time to do so.

I have been attending lots of weddings and have been eating some delicious food. It’s been so nice to get back to normality and see friends and family again. It felt strangely normal as if this past year never happened. The food has been sensational and it’s awoken my sweet tooth so I decided to get my baking hat back on. I’ve forgotten just how therapeutic it can be. After all, baking is good for the soul.

For anyone who knows me, they know I love coconut. Coconut shampoo, coconut hand cream, coconut biscuits, you name it, I love it. I’ve never actually tried a coconut brownie so I thought let’s give it a try. I found this recipe from BBC Good Food and it worked a charm. It was so easy to make, simply melt the wet ingredients and mix in the dry ingredients. I decided to pimp it slightly and add some fresh raspberries and some toasted hazelnuts. I love the addition of fruit and nuts in a brownie. I mean, if I’m going to treat myself to a brownie, I want to go all out.

I also reduced the amount of sugar in this recipe by 150g as I don’t like things to be crazy sweet. I happened to have some coconut sugar in my pantry so decided to use 250g coconut sugar and 100g caster sugar. I realise its all still sugar but it’s nice to know its not all refined sugar.

The brownies turned out perfectly. A crisp top with a fudge/cake like middle. I don’t like my brownies too fudgy, but a perfect balance between cake and fudge. OK I will stop saying fudge now.

I served them with some vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, a hazelnut and coconut crumb and some fresh fruit. Who says we have to go out for dessert? This was absolutely delicious and right up my street. When my husband and I look at a dessert menu, I always choose chocolate and he always chooses some weird fruity one. I know.

What’s your favourite thing to bake? Or your favourite brownie combination? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below 🙂

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I am a food photographer and stylist based in Milton Keynes. Please check out my website to see more of my work at www.jbimagery.co.uk