Cookies and Brownies made from Chickpeas? Muffins made from Zucchini?
There are so many healthy, new alternatives when it comes to making family desserts. Engaging children in the gathering of unique dessert ingredients will only increase the chances of them also enjoying the finished product. They will likely be amazed how "healthy" food can taste so good and qualify as a "real" dessert. Its best to start at a young age and boys love to help as much as girls. After all, some of the best bakers are men!
Health Barn USA, a wonderful, local business in Ridgewood, NJ has shared an easy recipe for Chocolate Chipper Blondies (The surprise ingredient? Chickpeas! What a great way to add protein and fiber to your family's diet, without sacrificing the delicious Brownie/Blondie taste!)
See the full recipe below:
Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup low sodium canned chickpeas, mashed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or use parchment paper in a 9 x 9 inch square baking pan.
- Combine oats, flour, flaxseeds, baking powder and soda and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat together sugar and applesauce until smooth. Add mashed chickpeas, egg, and vanilla to applesauce mixture and combine.
- Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients in small batches, mixing thoroughly. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Transfer batter to baking pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow blondies to cool completely then slice into 12 bites and transfer to serving dish.
- Once cool, enjoy right away or store in airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days, or freeze up to 1 month.
Makes 12 servings (1 blondie per serving).
Nutrition Facts per serving: 130 calories; 3g fat (1g sat fat, 1g mono, 1g poly, 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 24g carbohydrate (3g fiber, 11g sugar); 4g protein; 60mg sodium; 2% Daily Value (DV) calcium; 6% DV iron.
Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, founder, HealthBarn USA is recognized as one of the top 10 dietitians nationally by Today’s Dietitian magazine for her work with HealthBarn USA.
Health Barn offers a diverse selection of outdoor classes during the warmer months as well as the return of outdoor birthday parties. Space is limited and all protocols are in place to help everyone have a safe, fun experience.
For more information on amazing healthy recipes and for a full list of program offerings: visit www.healthbarnusa.com!
