The Healthy Brownie. Nuff said…{recipe}

Could this be true?  A healthy brownie?  Well, compared to its fat and sugar loaded counterparts, this brownie gets a “A” in my book.  Although it still contains chocolate (heart healthy cacao) and a bit of sugar, just about all of the ingredients in this nutritious dessert are low in bad fats and serve to benefit your bod in some way.  Whip this up the next time your craving sweets and forget the guilt factor!

The Healthy Brownie

Barely adapted from the Sunday Baker

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 c. quick cooking oats

1/3 c. toasted wheat germ

3 T. dark amber agave nectar

6 squares of dark organic cacao,  (1 oz. each)

2 T. brown sugar

1/2 t. baking powder

dash of salt

1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce

3 egg whites, slightly beaten

1 t. pure vanilla extract

METHOD

In a food processor, grind the oats and wheat germ until fine (you can also add in pecans or walnuts). Pulse in the agave, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a microwave safe bowl, slowly melt the cacao squares by microwaving for 30 second increments until smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Add the chocolate mixture, applesauce, and egg whites to the oat mixture, stirring well.

Pour into a greased 8″ square baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the middle is set. They will look moist; do not over bake.