Making Dessert "Healthy"

As mentioned in my previous post, I LOVE COOKIES, but in general, I love dessert.

As I’ve aged, I’ve become more interested in taking care of my body and what I eat has a huge part in that.

We are all aware that dessert isn’t a “health food,” but do you ever take time to experience how great you feel during and after eating dessert?! That makes it a “health food…” in my opinion. Good food is in a good mood! I sure have a happy mind after quenching my sweet tooth.

With this in mind, my goals with dessert are to:

  • avoid processed sugar

  • use minimal ingredients

  • make it delicious

  • make it easy

And that is how these avocado brownies were born. (Note this recipe is not puppy-friendly!)

This recipe was inspired by Making Thyme For Health which calls for coconut sugar. I recently noticed the Kos Organic chocolate protein powder I have at home tastes a little sweet, so instead of sugar, I decided to use protein powder. Also, instead of spelt flour, I opted to try Bob’s Red Mill Sweet Rice Flour. The result was quite enjoyable. Try it out yourself!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 medium ripe avocado (about 1/2 cup mashed)

  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons Oat Milk (or milk of choice)

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

  • 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder

  • 1 cup rice flour

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

TOOLS:

  • 8X8 Baking dish

  • Large bowl

  • Blender

  • Spoon to stir

  • Knife to spread chocolate & cut the brownies

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350°F, then lightly grease an 8 x 8″ baking dish.

In a blender, combine the avocado, soymilk, maple syrup, and protein powder. Blend for about 15-20 seconds until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, then stir together. Pour the wet ingredients in the blender into the bowl with the dry. Add the chocolate chips and stir together until combined.

Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on top, then bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until set. You should be able to stick a fork in the center and have it come out clean.

PRO TIP: When the brownie is hot out of the oven, take a knife and gently smooth the chocolate chips across the brownie as if it was frosting.

Allow cooling for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Katherine Palms