Healthy Eats: Almond Chocolate Blondies

I really enjoy baking so it’s nice to know that there are still healthy recipes out there that I can try out for a treat with my cup of tea! This recipe is actually from the Jillian Michaels nutritional programme and it’s filled with fibre, omega 5 oils from the ground flaxseed and protein from the eggs and almond butter. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%) is a lot more nutritious than the sugary kind. It has good amounts of fibre and minerals, it’s a powerful source of anti-oxidants, it can improve blood flow and low blood pressure, protects against cardiovascular disease and can improve brain function. Obviously you can’t eat truckloads of the stuff but if you buy organic, 70% dark chocolate then it has many health benefits. These blondes come in at about 200 calories per serving.

*Recipe from Jillian Michaels official nutrition plan

Ingredients:

Olive oil spray (for the pan)
1 cup almond butter
2/3 cup organic honey
1/4 cup light coconut milk
3 large eggs (at room temperature)
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup wholemeal/wholewheat or brown rice flour
3/4 cup(s) flax seeds (ground)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup small chocolate chunks, dark (at least 70% cocoa)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 175oC. Spray an 8-inch square glass baking dish with olive oil.
In a large bowl, place the almond butter, honey, coconut milk, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk together until well blended and smooth.
In a separate bowl, place the flour, flaxseed, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together until well mixed. Add the dry ingredients to the almond butter mixture and stir just until blended. Then stir in the chocolate chunks.
Scrape the batter into the prepared dish and bake until browned around the edges and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, about 30 minutes. Transfer the baking pan to a cooling rack and let cool for about 15 minutes before cutting. Cut in 20 squares and serve. (The blondies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.)