Try this yummy recipe from avocados from Mexico.
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Ingredients:
- 2 Avocados
- 4 Large eggs
- 1c. Sugar
- 8oz. Dark chocolate chips
- ½ c. Dark cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- ½ c. Whole wheat flour
- Optional: ½ c. Chopped nuts such as Walnuts or Almonds
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Line an 8x8-inch cake pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Beat eggs and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until bubbly and fluffy.
- Place chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl and microwave on HIGH in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
- With mixer running, add chocolate to egg mixture. Fold in cocoa, salt, vanilla and flour.
- Mash avocados in separate bowl until very smooth. Add to batter and mix well.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30 minutes, or until toothpick is inserted in center and comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
Makes 16 servings.
Nutrition per Brownie: Calories: 190, Total Fat 9g (Sat. Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0g), Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium 90mg, Total Carbohydrate: 28g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugar 20g, Protein: 4g
Benefits of this recipe:
- The fat in this recipe is from avocados, a monounsaturated heart healthy fat that lowers LDL (bad or "L" for lousy) cholesterol and helps to maintain HDL (good or "H" for healthy) cholesterol when eaten in moderation.
- Contains whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Whole wheat flour is higher in fiber and B vitamins
- Contains dark chocolate (70% cocoa and higher) and dark cocoa powder
Benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa:
- Contains a compound known as flavanols, which will widen arteries by boosting nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide helps arteries relax, widen, and become more flexible.
- Loaded with antioxidants that destroy free radicals (chemicals that accelerate aging)
- Dark chocolate intake is linked with a higher HDL and lower LDL level
- Can improve your mood, increases serotonin levels
This article first appeared in the February 2019 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
