Healthier Brownies

Isn't it a funny thing that when you declare to the world that you set ______________________ goal with your diet and exercise that it seems everyone is out to test your taste bud limits. The closer I get to stage ready, the more often "random" pies and cookies end up in my kitchen and friends become super-foodie-chef-wannabes.

I can't imagine doing that to my girl friends (unless of course she were to compete against me....kidding). My best advice- no one likes those kind of people. Show your friends some love, real honest to goodness brownie love that won't sabotage their goals. They will thank you, and so will your hips.

Healthier Brownies

• 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (Hershey's special dark)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or pure pumpkin puree
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup Stevia in the Raw
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• 1/3 cup oat flour (or whole wheat pastry)
• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an individual brownie pan or 8 inch square baking pan, with non stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl mix together all of he dry ingredients. Mix the applesauce and egg whites and gently fold into the dry mixture. Stir only until moistened.

Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until desired texture is reached. Less time will result in a more dense, gooey brownie and longer time will produce a cake like brownie.