What could be better than brownies that are almost, sort of, kind of healthy? I chose this week’s project, from Sept Everyday Food.
I cheated in two ways on this recipe, ok I actually cheated many ways. I used
sweetened applesauce, since that was what I had. I also forgot to add the baking powder! Eek. I never mix my dry ingredients separately, I melted the chocolate in the microwave, and I forgot to reserve 2 oz of chocolate to put on top, so it all ended up in the brownies.
Despite that, I think I liked these. Actually, the more of them I ate, the more I liked it. The first one tasted a little weird. Dude Martha said he didn’t like it because it tasted like dark chocolate. Teen Martha said it tasted like wine. Mr. MarthaAndMe doesn’t like chocolate (I know, but I married him anyhow). Which left me alone with a pan of brownies. A dangerous situation. Thank goodness they were almost, sort of healthy. The texture is weird and they were very moist – not really cakey and didn’t really get that crunchy, crumbly thing happening that you get on top of brownies or at the edges. It didn’t stop me. Let’s just say I took care of the brownie situation so no one but me could get hurt (I actually froze some for a later chocolate fit).
I think I would probably not make this again though – I would rather have regular brownies given the choice. But it was fun to try.
6 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup flour
1/2 whole wheat flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour)
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
8 oz semisweet chocolate
Use an 8 inch square pan. Mix dry ingredients. Mix sugar, applesauce and egg. Melt butter and 6 oz choc in a double boiler. Stir into sugar mixture. Add flour mixture. Sprinkle remaining 2 oz chocolate on top. Bake at 350 for 40 min.
If I can add a note here about Martha Mondays. Several people have asked how to join. I’ve responded to all of you directly, but never heard back that yes, you’d like your name added to the blog roll and list of days to choose. If you want me to add you, I need to know. Anyone can join, but I just need to know so I can add you to the list.
Martha and Me 
I really like these. I am still eating mine at the moment (my first piece – not the whole thing! – but give it time!). The first bite is a bit strange with the applesauce, but I think these are a winner. My results are up: http://www.perfectingpru.wordpress.com.
Thanks Brette for a great pick.
Thanks Pru. It’s nice having you join in most weeks. I’m glad you enjoyed these. They are weird at first, but then you forget they are different.
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Good afternoon!! Just saw your post on the whole wheat brownies. By any chance, did they print the calories, fiber and fat grams?? Maybe then I would have a reason to make them.
201 calories, 9.2 g of fat (55 g saturated fat) 2.3 g protein, 31.2 g carbs, 2.2 g fiber. That is if you cut it into 16 servings.
Thank you Brette for picking this recipe. I made them late Monday evening, ready to take to work with me on Tuesday. I loved those brownies. Easy to make, soft and moist and full of chocolate flavor. Fewer calories too! A winner. Off to sleep now. Goodnight!
Glad you enjoyed!
Maybe a man without a love of chocolate is a bonus. No need to share!
Very true!
Oh, I LOVE recipes with whole wheat flour. Am eager to try this one. But sugar AND applesauce? That seems like a lot of sweetener. What do you think about using some agave for part of the cup of sugar?
The applesauce is supposed to be unsweetened, but I didn’t have any to use, so I used sweetened. I’m sure you could use agave.