Cooking Is No Small Thing - Healthier Brownies

Until recently I hadn't cooked for myself since late May.  While it was nice for food to appear at meal times (I was so spoiled!), I am so happy to be back in the kitchen.  I've set yet another goal for myself: try at least one new recipe a week and write a post about it.  I'm trying find healthy recipes that taste oh so good.  Knowing how I operate in the kitchen (cooking for the week in one day) you can expect these posts on either Saturday or Sunday each week.

Today with the imminent arrival of the much anticipated Hurricane Irene I decided to head out and stock up.  But mostly my refrigerator was EMPTY so it was necessary.  Tonight seemed like a perfect time to do a cook-a-ton so that I wouldn't have to cook during the busy week ahead.  I had some garden fresh tomatoes, so I made the following Tomato Quiche recipe.  I had made this once before at my sister's bridal shower.  It was a hit then so I'm psyched to sink my teeth into it tonight.

Ok, so I typed the recipe while the quiche was baking.  I've eaten it now... one bite... total disappointment!  I messed up on the recipe that I was sharing!  I made so many mistakes that it is not edible and will be in the trash as soon as I finish typing.  It might just be the worst thing I've made.  How embarrasing!  Well that just goes to show I what I believe about cooking, you shouldn't be afraid to try something new because if it is bad you can just throw it away (with the recipe).  Needless to say, I deleted the recipe and will not be sharing it with you. :)

I also tried a recipe for Healthy Fudgy Brownies from www.food.com.  Initially I wasn't going to make it because it meant buying a package of powered milk.  I hate having ingredients that I only use in one recipe.  But I bit the bullet and I'm so glad that I did!  I'm not going to lie, these aren't the best brownies I've ever made (that award goes to Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Brownie mix).  That being said, I will be making these again because I can feel good about having dessert and satisfying a chocolate craving.  They remind me of No-Bake Cookies.  The name of the recipe is wrong.  They are healthy, but they are not fudgy.  I wonder what I could do to make them fudgier...

Healthier Brownies

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon butter

3/4 cup quick oats

1/3 cup toasted wheat germ

1/3 cup non-fat powdered milk

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

2 large eggs

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave about 45 seconds; stirring occasionally until completely melted; set aside.  

2. Combine the dry ingredients, except for sugar, in a bowl.  
3. In another large bowl, beat egg whites with sugar and vanilla until slightly thick.
4. Stir in chocolate mixture and then the dry ingredients.  (Yes, it is supposed to be a thick batter.)
5. Spread into an 8-inch square baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
6. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes; until edges are firm and top is crisp.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.