Better Brownies, Better Taste, Better Nutrition

Brownies just keep getting greater and better. Moist, chewy and so simple, these Fudgy-Fig-Nut Brownies are made using rich dark chocolate, crunchy toasted walnuts and surprise-sweet, delicious figs. Taste and health have joined together with simple directions to deliver brownies fit for each day or special occasions such since Father’s Day, Fourth of July and birthdays.

Amber-colored golden figs and dark purple Mission figs star because the special secret ingredients that make these brownies so unique and so delicious. The small crunchy seeds and sweet, chewy flavor of the figs complement the toasted walnuts and smooth dark chocolate. Health-conscious cooks are keyed up to learn that dark chocolate contributes health-promoting flavonol antioxidants; dried figs offer a unique array of vital vitamins and minerals and an excellent amount of dietary fiber; and walnuts deliver vital omega-3 fatty acids and “cool” monounsaturated fats.

Figs are also cool for snacking as they are so portable and convenient, along with being a nutrient-dense fruit. Three to four figs make available 6 percent daily value (DV) iron, 6 percent DV calcium, 6 percent DV magnesium, 6 percent DV vitamin B6 and 8 percent DV copper.

Fudgy Fig-Nut Brownies

3 huge eggs

11/4 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 cup every-purpose flour

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup stemmed and chopped Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Golden or Mission Figs

1/3 cup chopped, toasted walnuts

Preheat oven to 325°. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs using wire whisk. Add sugar and whisk until well-blended. Whisk in oil and vanilla. Melt chocolate in tiny bowl in microwave oven on 50 percent power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring all minute. Whisk chocolate into egg mixture. Inside little bowl, stir equally flour, cocoa and salt. Stir flour mixture into chocolate mixture, blending until smooth; batter will be stiff. Stir in figs and walnuts. Spread batter in baking pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until pick inserted in center comes out with some crumbs attached. Excellent inside pan on wire rack. Cut into 16 brownies.

Nutrients per serving (16): Calories 191; Protein 3g; Entire Fat 7g; Carbohydrate 29g; Cholesterol 40mg; Dietary Fiber 2g; Sodium 65mg.

Figs, chocolate and walnuts–nutrition and taste come together in one delicious brownie.