Dessert! Did I get your attention? It’s what most people talk about even before the main course is served. Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet treat.

Again, eating a plant-based diet just means you don’t use dairy or eggs in your desserts. So bring on the brownies. I received this recipe from Yarmouth-based nutritionist Sara Sullivan.

Along with dates, some of the important ingredients in these brownies are nuts — walnuts and cashews.

Not only do these ingredients add to the flavor, but they also add health benefits.

Dates are high in fiber and calcium, walnuts have plenty of Omega 3 and vitamin E, and cashews contain antioxidants and promote good cardiovascular health.

So on top of these brownies being delicious and healthy for you, they don’t require baking. That means you don’t heat up the kitchen on a hot day, and since there are no raw eggs, you can eat as much batter as you want.

Our kids love these, and really couldn’t tell the difference between the vegan brownies and traditional ones. Give your taste buds a chance to try something new, and enjoy that vegan thing.

NO-BAKE BROWNIES

Makes: 12 to 16 brownies

1 cup dates, pits removed

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup cashews

4 tablespoons raw cocoa powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 to 2 tablespoons honey

Start by giving the dates a rough chop. Next, place all the ingredients in a food processor fitted with an s-blade and blend until all ingredients are combined and have formed a ball. Line a small pan or banana bread tin with parchment paper and press the dough into the pan. Chill in the freezer for an hour before cutting. Store your brownies in the fridge.

Jeff Peterson anchors the 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. news on WGME-TV and is a vegan.