An Interesting Approach to Brownies . . .

Found an interesting recipe for brownies. Using the secret ingredient (okay, it's applesauce - you dragged it out of me!), would cut some of the fat content as it replaces a bit of the butter. Besides, chocolate is good for you so what's a few pounds when it comes to our health, right?

Chocolate Applesauce Brownies

1 cup firmly packed borwn sugar
1/2 cup softened butter (not melted!)
2 large eggs
1 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts, your choice

Vegetable oil spray a 9-inch square baking pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter and eggs, mixing well. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, folding in the nuts last. Pour into prepared baking pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven. Cool completely before cutting into serving pieces.

Ideas . . .
After the brownies exit the oven, a glaze of orange icing makes it interesting. Brush it over a warm not hot pan of brownies and then let cool down for cutting.

1/4 cup of ground raisins makes the brownies taste like a fruit and nut chocolate bar.

Want to be fancy, make or buy a package of fudge frosting and frost the cold brownies before serving. After frosting, let the brownies sit in the refrigerator about 15 minutes to make it easier to cut through the frosting.

Quotes to begin the weekend . . .

"Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul."
-- Marilyn Monroe

"An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations."
-- Charles de Montesquieu

"The only winner in the War of 1812 was Tchaikovsky."
-- Solomon Short