The Skinny on Brownies

There is nothing like a brownie after a long day, however, with that delicious brownie comes the guilty calories. This especially true when you have been good with healthy eating and consistent exercise. Well, let me be the one to tell you that you can satisfy your sweet tooth and continue to stay on track. Try this adapted Jillian Michaels skinny brownie recipe.

Ingredients

non-stick olive oil cooking spray

2/3 cup mild honey 

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour

1/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup M&Ms 

Note: For my Vegan beauties the egg can be substituted by the following  ingredients.

Substitute
½  pureed Banana, about ¼ cup	= 1 egg
Soy yogurt ¼ cup yogurt
Flax seeds 1 tbsp ground Flax seeds + 3 tbsp Water
1/3 cup applesauce
Silken Tofu ¼ cup blended

Instructions

1.    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with   parchment and spray with olive oil.

2.    Measure the honey into a small bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir in the cocoa powder and let cool.

3.    Meanwhile in a small bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.

4.    In a large bowl mix the applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla together until well combined. Stir in the cooled honey-cocoa mixture until smooth. Add the flour mixture and stir until all the flour is incorporated. Stir in the walnuts and the M&M's if using.

5.    Add the batter to the prepared pan and spread out evenly. Bake until the surface looks dry around the edges and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs   clinging to it, about 25 minutes or 30 minutes if you added walnuts and M&M's. Don't over bake.

6.    Cool the pan on a wire rack. Once cool refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Remove the brownies using the parchment to a cutting board and slice into 16 squares. For clean cuts wipe the knife clean after each cut and dip in hot water. Store in an airtight container in a cool place 3-4 days.

These delicious morsels will only set you back 86 calories without the walnuts & M&M's or 150 calories if you decide to add them to the batter.

Found a way to improve the recipe or do just want to show your baking skills? Let the Al Fresco fans know by commenting on the post! Until next time, go ahead and enjoy your inner chocoholic.
recipe adapted from cinnamonandspiceandeverythingnice.com