Mocha Brownies....a healthier version!

image courtesy of "momontimeout" website

I love thick, gooey brownies, don't you??  With a good strong cup of coffee.

But let's face it.  After menopause, those calories are ones we do NOT need!!

So I have tweaked a traditional mocha brownie recipe I got years ago from one of the cooking magazines, and made it a more low-fat, healthier version.  And if you eat just one and save the rest for your teenagers........that's even better!

HEALTHY VERSION MOCHA BROWNIES

1 stick of canola oil butter, melted (1/2 c.)

1 (14 oz) can of fat-free sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp of coffee extract

1 organic egg

egg replacement of flaxseed meal (see below)

1 c. Heart Smart (low fat) Bisquick biscuit baking mix

1/2 c. baking cocoa

1 tsp pure vanilla extract 

1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Egg replacement: Take 1 tablespoon of golden flax meal and place in a small custard cup or bowl.  Add 3 tablespoons of water.  Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.  It will be gelatinous, similar to an egg when you stir it into the above ingredients.  Please note:  if dough is a little firm, that is normal...simply add a tablespoon of water and stir.

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients except the walnuts.
• Stir well, especially after adding the egg replacement.
• Stir in the walnuts if you desire.  (you can also add in chopped pecans or almonds)
• Spread into a greased 13x9" baking pan and bake for 23 minutes or until inserted knife comes out clean.  (note:  I use coconut oil spray but canola oil spray is fine too)
• Let cool; cut into bars.
• Serve with fat free frozen vanilla yogurt spooned on top OR serve plain.

NOTE:  for my daughters, I spread 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top once the brownies are out of the oven and before they cool.  Let the chips melt over the top then smooth with a table knife.

TIPS:  if you want to indulge in the brownies more than once, simply cut your self a smaller piece or leave half the brownies frosting free!

ENJOY!!

As with all the recipes under the "faithfixes" label, you do have permission to copy this recipe!