Whole Wheat Brownies

I found this terrific brownie recipe on the website mightyfoods.com. Not only does it use whole wheat flour, but it calls for brown rice syrup in place of refined sugar. I've been experimenting with whole wheat brownie recipes, and so far this is my favorite. Resist the temptation to eat them right out of the oven-- both the texture and the taste are soooo much better after they've cooled/been refrigerated. If you can't find brown rice syrup in your grocery store, try the local health food store. They almost always carry it. Also, I've found that when cooking with whole wheat flour brand name counts. I prefer King Arthur Flour, but any good quality fresh flour will do. If you don't want to use straight whole wheat, go for whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 2  ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 4  tablespoons cocoa powder
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3⁄4 cup  brown rice syrup
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  large eggs, room temperature
• 1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3⁄4 cup  coarsely chopped  nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Grease an 8”x8” square cake pan.
2. In a heavy bottomed saucepan over very low heat, combine the chocolate, cocoa powder, and butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Add the brown rice syrup and vanilla. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
3. Once cool, add the eggs and stir until well-combined. Add the flour and nuts (if using) and stir until almost combined. Add the salt,and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to over mix the batter.
4. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread to the edges. Place in the oven on the center rack.
5. Bake, until the kitchen smells of chocolate, the center is firm to touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
6. Allow to cool in the pan for at least a full 10 minutes. Invert pan and remove brownies, and place on cooling rack.