Just sliced into a fresh watermelon.  Ohhh boy was it sweet and so delish.  In the middle of winter it is amazing that you can still get fresh produce from South America that is healthy, low calorie and has lots of health benefits.  I always have to be careful not to eat too much of it though because it one of my favorite fruits.

Low calorie fudge brownies: From Korty’s Kitchen

I was trying to come up with a lo-calorie brownie that still tasted good, without having that awful flavor.  Well this was the result of my time in the kitchen today. It is not too bad in flavor, but with only 35 calories if you leave out the chocolate chips and nuts you can't go wrong.  Of course I didn't leave out the chocolate chips, and it came out to only 45 calories still. 

 If you're trying to still enjoy the pleasures in life while taking care of yourself this might just hit the spot.   

Ingredients

non-stick olive oil cooking spray

2/3 cup Stevia or other Sugar Substitute

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup white unbleached flour or whole-wheat flour

1/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional:

1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Spray an 8x8 baking pan with olive oil.

In a large bowl whisk applesauce, oil, egg, and vanilla together until well combined. Whisk the flour, cocoa, soda, powder and salt until smooth.  Add the flour mixture and stir until all the flour is incorporated then add in vanilla. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips if using.

Add the batter to the prepared pan and spread out evenly. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out with crumbs clinging to it, about 15 minutes or 20 minutes.

Cool the pan on a wire rack. Once cool refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Slice into 15 2x2  inch squares. For clean cuts wipe the knife clean after each cut.  Store in an airtight container in a cool place 3-4 days. 

Approximately 45 calories  for each brownie if nuts and chocolate chips were used.

I had an interesting idea today.  My wife gave me one of those Yonanas machines awhile back and I thought it might work for an easy low calorie and low fat treat to run a frozen yoplait yogurt cup through it..  Well it worked. I just have to remember to make sure it is not solidly frozen.  Delish.

Well hello.  This is my first blog, and I wanted to start this blog to be able to share recipes and other interesting ideas with my friends and family.  I am an avid cook and have created many fantastic recipes, and people are always wanting to get my recipes.  Well this way they can.  I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Adolescent and Family Therapy Services. I am married to an amazing woman who remains strong after four C-sections, losing her youngest child in 2001, enduring breast cancer and now skin cancer. Changing our lives to live healthier, stronger and better lives. The father of four great kids, and grandfather to a wonderful little girl, Alycia. I hope you can enjoy the blog as much as I will enjoy posting.