(Zucchini) Brownies

Meet my newest lightened-up dessert creation: an intensely chocolate brownie, featuring some hidden healthy stuff, the (Zucchini) Brownie! I say (zucchini) because, honestly, no one would ever guess that this brownie has zucchini in the mix -- you can't detect any vegetable flavor whatsoever -- it just makes the brownies super dense and moist. They are almost a cross between zucchini bread and brownies, but the brownie ends up being more fudge-y than bread-y (the BEST kind!). They are also lighter than your average brownie, because they contain no oil or butter, whole wheat (instead of white) flour, and you also get a serving of veg in every piece! Not to mention, they are insanely rich; a perfect treat for the chocolate lover looking for a fix (aka: ME. And everyone? I don't understand people who don't live for chocolate.).

Now what about this doesn't sound good? Let's get to baking!

** ZUCCHINI BROWNIES **
Printable Recipe

Ingredients
Wet Ingredients 
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup applesauce
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sugar
Dry Ingredients
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt 
Remaining Ingredients
* 2 cups grated zucchini (2-3 medium or large zucchinis)
* 8 - 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips (depending how chocolate-y you want them!)
* 1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions
* Preheat the oven to 350F.

* In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients.

* In a medium-sized bowl, sift (or whisk very well) the dry ingredients together.

* Slowly mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, until just combined.

* Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips.

* Pour the mixture into a greased 8X8 pan.
* Top with walnuts, if that's what you're into (I did half). 

* Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (try in multiple spots; just in case the toothpick brushes against the chocolate chips).

* Let cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack. Then, you're ready to cut and serve!

* And then, the most important part. It's time to get your nom on...

EAT FRESH!
~ Leah

* Recipe adapted from here.