Super Yummy, Healthy Brownies (for real)

The problem with these brownies is that they're so good we always start
eating them before I ever remember to take a picture! No beauty shot here!

So, it's January, and I'd say there's a decent chance that you're currently trying to eat healthier...and possibly you're wavering in your efforts. Eating a clean, healthy diet is an awesome goal. But completely giving up all indulgence isn't my kind of thing. I tend to be a eat super healthy 90% of the time, kind of girl...the other 10% is mainly pizza and chips...and brownies!

BUT, I love it when I find indulgent treats that are good for me, too. I found this recipe on Danette May's website. She calls them "No Guilt" brownies. I call them healthy and delicious. These are as good as any brownie out there--just ask my husband and kids--but there are no "bad" ingredients in them. I'm pretty sure I'm still not supposed to eat an entire pan (I totally could...just by nibbling on them all day long), but when I do indulge, I don't feel like I just put a bunch of junk in my super clean, post-detox body.

So, here you go: moist, chocolatey, delicious, healthy goodness...

Avocado-Dark Chocolate Brownies

1 ripe avocado

4 oz. dark chocolate (preferably 70% cacao or darker, but 60% is okay)
1 tbsp coconut oil

3 eggs

1/4 c. almond butter

1/2 c. raw honey (bonus points if it's also local!)

1 tbsp vanilla

1/4 c. raw cacao powder

1 tbsp almond flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans; or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Mash avocado in large bowl until all chunks are gone. Melt chocolate with coconut oil in double boiler or pan over medium heat, stirring regularly. Make sure not to burn it if your just using a pan. Add melted chocolate to avocado. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl. Mix for 3 minutes, until completely combined and smooth and light. (I use a hand mixer for this. A stand mixer would work. If doing by hand, use a whisk.) Poor into prepared baking pan. (I spray mine with coconut oil.) If topping with nuts or dark chocolate chips, sprinkle those over the top before putting in the oven. (I usually sprinkle half our pan with chopped walnuts and leave the other half plain for the kids.) Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

So yummy. So good for you.

Until next time, enjoy a little indulgence while still taking care of your body.