creating healthy habits: sneaky brownies

​CREATING HEALTHY HABITS: SNEAKY BROWNIES


The last 2 weeks my preschoolers were beyond happy to being making one of my favorite desserts…brownies!!!

I was beyond happy to see them all embracing the “secret ingredients”!!  EGGPLANT!! BLACK BEANS!!

It’s so cool to be able to experiment with new recipes that turn a “Whoah” food into a “GO”.  Adding these sneaky ingredients makes these usually nutrient void treats into a healthy snack ensuring your kids are getting the healthy foods their little bodies need to grow.

Along with that though, adding ingredients that might usually be intimating to your little one, shows them these sometimes scary ingredients can taste delicious!!  

We tried these 2 recipes! Both were a total hit! I loved seeing these preschoolers excited about trying new ingredients and they loooooved the yummy brownies they created!! Perfect for a healthier after school snack or bedtime treat!!

SNEAKY BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

Ingredients:

• 2/3 of a 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed.
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 quick oats
• 1/4 c honey
• 1/4 coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp powder
• 1 c dark chocolate chips ( use about 2/3 a c in recipe, save rest to sprinkle on top) 

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.  Combine all ingredients other than chocolate chips in food processor or good quality blender.  It helps to add 2 ingredients a time, then blend.  Add next 2 and blend - and so on until you’ve added all 7 other ingredients.  After well blended, mix in chocolate chips.  Grease 8x8 pan and spread in mixture.  Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top.  Cook 10 to 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Enjoy this yummy treat with additional protein and fiber!

SNEAKY EGGPLANT BROWNIES

Ingredients:

• 1/2 eggplant, sliced and halved.
• 1/2 c dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 c honey
• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 c water
• 1/4 c cocoa powder
• 2 c whole grain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 c oil

Instructions:
Preheat over to 375 degrees F.  Grease pan that you will use for brownies.  In a separate oven safe pan, place sliced and halved eggplant.  Bake for about 10 minutes, to soften.  Place chocolate chips in microwave for 30 seconds.  Stir,  Microwave more at 15 sec intervals if needed. When eggplant and chocolate are ready - add all ingredients to food processor or blender.  You may add a couple ingredients at a time, making sure thoroughly blended.  Pour batter into greased pan. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Should be a cake like consistency.  Let cool and enjoy!!