Better for you Brownies

Decadent yet full of nutrients, these brownies make a delicious, better for you treat.  Made with antioxidant rich prunes, and dark chocolate these brownies are gluten free and have that characteristic fudgey brownie texture and a great chocolatey taste.

Prunes provide a great source of fibre, potassium, beta carotene, and unique antioxidants called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. According to WH foods, these antioxidants help prevent free radical damage against fats. Since our cell membranes and brain cells are made mainly of fats, these antioxidants are very valuable in keeping our bodies and brains healthy.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#b3e2eb”]Better for you Brownies[/typography] (Adapted from Elana’s Pantry)

Ingredients:
1 cup pitted prunes
1/2 cup apple juice
4 eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon vanilla essence
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (use real chocolate, not compound chocolate)

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#b3e2eb”]Method:[/typography]

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#b3e2eb”]1.[/typography] Place prunes and apple juice in a pot over a medium heat. Gently simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the prunes have absorbed most of the apple juice and are soft.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#b3e2eb”]2.[/typography] While the prunes simmering, mix together the oil, vanilla and eggs until well combined.  In a separate bowl sift the cocoa and baking soda, and add the sugar and salt.  Mix.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#b3e2eb”]3.[/typography] Remove the prune mixture from the heat and pulse in a food processor. Mix in the egg and cocoa mix and pulse again until combined.  Add chocolate chips.

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#b3e2eb”]4.[/typography] Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish and pour in mixture.  Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes.  This is lovely served slightly warm with greek yoghurt.