It's late at night and you're craving something delicious and indulgent. You're overtired, but the overwhelming desire for something chocolately has gotten the best of you. What should you do in the case like this? Whip up a batch of some Pay Dirt Brownies! Not only are these brownies good, but they're good for you!
Becoming ever-increasingly more popular, dark chocolate is known for its antioxidants and the health benefits they provide. Also, peanuts are full of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
Pay Dirt Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 8-10 fun-size Pay Day bars
Directions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, slowly melt the butter, making sure not to burn it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened dark cocoa powder with the melted butter until the cocoa has dissolved.
- Mix in the granulated sugar until all three of the ingredients are well-incorporated.
- Gently add the eggs, stirring quickly so as not to scramble them. (Note: If you are really concerned about the eggs scrambling, you can temper the eggs first. Place the eggs in a small bowl and whisk together. Add a small amount of the warm chocolate to the eggs before stirring the eggs into the bowl of chocolate. This will gently heat the eggs and allow for easier incorporation into the chocolate mixture.)
- Add the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour until a thick batter has formed.
- Chop up the Pay Day bars and fold into the batter.
- Grease all sides of an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish. (Note: The batter will be very thick, so you will need to carefully spread it out with a knife or spatula.)
- In a preheated 350 degree oven, bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into 16 squares.
- Pour yourself a cold glass of milk and enjoy!
Keep in mind, while you've now satisfied your then irksome craving, you have also provided your body with valuable nutrients and health benefits. Peanut provide protein, fiber and B vitamins, which may help prevent birth defects. Antioxidants from the dark cocoa help to slow and possibly reduce free radical damage to the body and lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Who knew something so healthy could be so delicious? You've hit pay dirt!
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