GASP! Yes. We said it. Santa Claus IS sneaky. But how else would he deliver all those presents in one night?! This recipe for fudgy [zucchini] brownies is sure to have you feeling a lot like Santa when you deliver (a dose of nutritional) goodness to your family in the form of veg wrapped up in a delicious cloak of chocolate!
I love to cook and bake, and exploring new recipes and flavors has become a treat since I expanded my palate. But one of my biggest frustrations when I first started experimenting was when I would find a recipe I wanted to try only to realize it was the wrong season for that fruit or vegetable! Proof is in the peach …
That’s one of the wonderful things about zucchini and this recipe! Though they are a little meager in size compared to their summer counterpart, I’ve never really had trouble finding the dark green squash in winter at my local store! Even better? Summer zucchini (free) from my friends’ gardens are always so MASSIVE! While I enjoy the challenge of finding ways to use them right up (no waste!), shredded zucchini is perfect for freezing so you can save money and enjoy delicious fudgy brownies all year long!
Zucchini contains vitamin A, magnesium, folate, potassium, copper and phosphorus. With a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, niacin and protein, and with additional benefits like vitamins B1, B6, B2 and calcium, this summer squash is certain to land you on Santa’s NICE list!
‘nough said! Here’s the recipe from Bronner’s 1st edition cookbook of Flavorful Favorites:
FUDGY ZUCCHINI BROWNIES
Ingredients:
– 2 squares unsweetened chocolate
– 1/4 c. butter or margarine
– 1 c. sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/4 tsp. salt
– 3/4 tsp. baking powder
– 1 tsp. vanilla extract
– 2/3 c. flour
– 1 c. zucchini, shredded
-walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Coat an 8-inch square pan with non-stick spray or shortening.
3. Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave or a double boiler.
4. Add the sugar and mix well.
5. Add the egg, salt, baking powder and vanilla; mixing until well combined.
6. Stir in the flour and fold in the zucchini; mix well.
7. Pour batter into the pan and top with walnuts if desired.
8. Bake for 25 minutes.
9. Cool in pan or on a wire rack.
Recipe Note: You can substitute 3 tbl. cocoa and 1 tbl. butter for each square of unsweetened chocolate.
*submitted by Cathy Haubenstricker
Perhaps sneaky is the wrong way to describe these … like Santa, these brownies are MAGICAL! The big man in red just may be green over these! Might we suggest leaving him a slice with a glass of milk this Christmas?!
Looking for more ways to enjoy your fruits and vegetables?! Maybe give our indulgent Sweet Potato Casserole a try!
