Brownies

This is a brownie recipe that is still gooey, rich and yummy but has some secret ingredients hidden in there. I try to incorporate some veggies in almost all the deserts we make in our house. When you have a kid that won't eat anything; a way to get a little more good stuff in him is to hide it, even in his treats. That being said, just 'cause there are avocados and carrots in these brownies, it does not mean you should let your little one eat them all day – they are still packed with sugar. I let the monster have a little square after meals assuming he eats his meal. You ask me: do they taste like brownies? - YES! REALLY GOOD ONES.

These did not only pass the Wiseman Monster test but also the very finicky eater that is known as my father a.k.a pepere. He could not tell that there was anything unusual added to the recipe.

Brownies

Brownie Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter - melted
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs

1 small avocado - pealed and mashed

1/2 cup shredded carrots (washed with peals on)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
1/3 cup cocoa powder*
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup pecan meal**
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup white chocolate chips


Frosting Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 or 9 inch square pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, avocado and 1 teaspoon vanilla - beat until creamy.
3. Beat in eggs and carrots.
4. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, flours, nut meal, salt, and baking powder.
5. Stir in white chocolate chips
6. Spread batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
8. To Make Frosting: add all ingredients and beat until creamy.
9. Let brownies completely cool, then frost.
10. Cut in squares and enjoy

Next time I make these, I want to double the carrots, only use whole wheat flour, use panela instead of white sugar, remove the white chocolate chips and add some avocado to the frosting. Will let you guys know how it turns out...

*The type and brand of cocoa powder one uses can change a recipe so much; some just taste better then others. I love the Camino brand personally:

http://www.lasiembra.com/camino/en/cuisine-camino/cocoa-powder

Though it's not cheap it's well worth the premium.

**Most nut meals can be bought in health food stores however you can also make your own. Check out this website for how to make your own nut meals:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2243930_make-nut-flour.html