Yummy & Light Brownies

Antonis Achilleos

Q: My children love brownies. How can I make this treat healthier for them?

A: It's easy to knock out some of the calories and fat in brownies -- and your child isn't likely to detect the difference. In fact, in a study by Ruthann Swanson, Ph.D., an associate professor of food and nutrition at the University of Georgia in Athens, kids ages 6 to 9 were satisfied with squares that contained 35% less fat. "If you offer kids lower-fat foods, they may not develop a desire for high-fat foods," says Dr. Swanson.

Evelyn Tribole, R.D., author of Healthy Homestyle Desserts, provided a recipe for this yummy brownie that has only 112 calories and 4 g of fat per square: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8" by 8" pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp. baking powder. In a medium bowl, beat 4 egg whites until foamy; add a 2 1/2-oz. jar of baby-food prunes, 1/3 cup buttermilk, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Pour it into the flour mixture and blend well. Stir in 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Spread batter in pan and sprinkle with 1/3 cup walnuts if desired. Bake 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Let cool for 30 minutes in the pan before cutting.

Copyright © 2002. Reprinted with permission from the November 2002 issue of Child Magazine