The Mood Booster
July 28th 2009 03:54
You ever have one of those days?
You know, the kind when you just want to lcurl up in bed or on the couch, change into your pajamas, turn the tv to your favorite show (or in my case, the no-fail cheer-up movie, "The Last Unicorn"), and stare blankly at the screen as you try to forget what kind of day you're having. . . yeah, that kind.
The kind that inevitably leads to minus one pint of chocolate ice cream in your freezer. Or, if you're someone after my own heart, minus one jar of peanut butter.
I'm pretty sure you've had one of those days.
Everyone has.
They're unavoidable. Inescapable. In other words, part of life.
But the clogged arteries and extra couple of pounds don't have to be. Because what's a better mood booster than a warm, soft, fudgy brownie that you can enjoy for only 40 calories per brownie? I can only think of a few things, including a trip to Disneyland. But these brownies are a lot cheaper than a trip to Disneyland, so I guess they win in that respect. . .
I'm not going to get into the whole scientific aspect of how chocolate affects the mood, because frankly, I'm having exactly one of those days I was talking about before and explaining science does not have the same effect as these brownies. So just take my word. . . next time you're having a bad day, give these a try. What can it hurt? It's only forty calories. . .
Guilt-Free, Mood-Boosting, Fudgy Brownies
2 tablespoons Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread, melted
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup Splenda
1 egg or ¼ cup egg beaters
¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ cup flour (use whole-wheat flour for extra points)
¼ cup baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup walnuts (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray an 8 inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Dust with cocoa, shaking out excess.
3. Stir together melted butter, cocoa, Splenda, egg, applesauce and vanilla, beating until smooth.
4. Gently stir in flour, baking soda and salt until well combined.
5. If adding mix-ins, gently fold in now.
6. Pour into prepared pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cut into 16 brownies.
Now let me say, I don't really expect you to look forward to "one of those days" or anything, but these would definitely make you dread them much less. Top with a little bit of non-fat frozen yogurt if you're having an especially rough day. Trust me. Your day and mood will improve marginally with the first bite.
You know, the kind when you just want to lcurl up in bed or on the couch, change into your pajamas, turn the tv to your favorite show (or in my case, the no-fail cheer-up movie, "The Last Unicorn"), and stare blankly at the screen as you try to forget what kind of day you're having. . . yeah, that kind.
The kind that inevitably leads to minus one pint of chocolate ice cream in your freezer. Or, if you're someone after my own heart, minus one jar of peanut butter.
I'm pretty sure you've had one of those days.
Everyone has.
They're unavoidable. Inescapable. In other words, part of life.
I'm not going to get into the whole scientific aspect of how chocolate affects the mood, because frankly, I'm having exactly one of those days I was talking about before and explaining science does not have the same effect as these brownies. So just take my word. . . next time you're having a bad day, give these a try. What can it hurt? It's only forty calories. . .
Guilt-Free, Mood-Boosting, Fudgy Brownies
2 tablespoons Smart Balance Light Buttery Spread, melted
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup Splenda
1 egg or ¼ cup egg beaters
¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ cup flour (use whole-wheat flour for extra points)
¼ cup baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray an 8 inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Dust with cocoa, shaking out excess.
3. Stir together melted butter, cocoa, Splenda, egg, applesauce and vanilla, beating until smooth.
4. Gently stir in flour, baking soda and salt until well combined.
5. If adding mix-ins, gently fold in now.
6. Pour into prepared pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cut into 16 brownies.
Now let me say, I don't really expect you to look forward to "one of those days" or anything, but these would definitely make you dread them much less. Top with a little bit of non-fat frozen yogurt if you're having an especially rough day. Trust me. Your day and mood will improve marginally with the first bite.
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