Better Brownies, Greater Taste, Better Nutrition

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

Amber-colored golden figs and dark purple Mission figs star as the special secret ingredients that make these brownies so exclusive and so delicious. The little 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 essential vitamins and minerals and an magnificent quantity of dietary fiber; and walnuts deliver essential omega-3 fatty acids and “groovy” monounsaturated fats.

Figs are also excellent for snacking since they are so portable and convenient, along with being a nutrient-dense fruit. Three to four figs provide 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 using nonstick spray. Inside medium bowl, lightly beat eggs using wire whisk. Add sugar and whisk until well-blended. Whisk in oil and vanilla. Melt chocolate in little bowl inside microwave oven on 50 percent power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring each minute. Whisk chocolate into egg mixture. In little bowl, stir together 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 inside center comes out using a few crumbs attached. Good inside pan on wire rack. Cut into 16 brownies.

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

Figs, chocolate and walnuts–nutrition and taste come equally in one yummy brownie.