Top of the afternoon to ya! It’s rare I post in the afternoon, but I figured I’d check in 
This morning was tres productive. I was up by 8 and made a delicious berry protein smoothie and lesson planned the morning away for Monday’s class. By the time I finally glanced at the clock it was nearly noon — game time! Unfortunately, my Illini fell to #1 Ohio State (Have I mentioned lately how much I hate Ohio State? Well, I do.). Fortunately, I did get in an awesome elliptical workout during the second half — 5.36 miles at level 7 (of 10) in 60 minutes. I was movin’!
Mr. Prevention said he was going to go shoe shopping (and didn’t ask me to go with – hallelujah!) and I decided to make a brownie recipe I saw this week. As most of you know, I have been hitting the weight loss plan pretty hard and things are going well. I have certainly had a few splurges, but I was craving a homemade splurge 
Skinny Double Chocolate Brownies adapted from Devin Alexander & The Novice Chef
1/2 (4 oz) cup natural applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
4 packets truvia
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp instant espresso powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chip (I didn’t use mini, no biggie!)
non-stick cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8×8 inch cake pan with non-stick spray.
In a medium mixing bowl, using a sturdy whisk or spatula, mix the applesauce, vanilla, egg whites, sugar, and truvia together.
Add the flour, wheat germ, cocoa powder, espresso powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir the mixture until it is just combined and no lumps remain. Pour it into the prepared pan.
Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Quickly remove from oven and sprinkle with the mini chocolate chips and then return to oven and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.
Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow them to cool 5 minutes. Cut into 9 equal brownies.
Nutrition Information (per brownie): 117 calories; 2.6 g. fat; 0 mg. cholesterol; 182 mg. sodium; 23 g. carbohydrate; 2.9 g. fiber; 3.3 g. protein
Result: Delicious! I’m surprised at how little flour is in this recipe, but it works! To knock down the calories a bit more, you could use wheat bran in place of wheat germ. But they are low in calories and fat and contain some fiber — not too shabby for a brownie. Quick & easy, too! Enjoy!
Mr. Prevention told me to “save my appetite!” for date night! I’ve held off at just 1 brownie! We are going to The Melting Pot tonight. I’ve never been to a fondue restaurant and I’m pretty excited! I might even wear some cute heels and bat my eyes a little This married gal can still flirt…I think.
Question: Have you ever been to The Melting Pot? Any recommendations?
Have a great evening,
Ooohhh… I’ve been once. All of their cheese is amazing. And I definitely suggeset getting dessert.
Have fun!
Oh boy, those brownies look so indulgent! I’ll bet the small amount of flour helped them to stay really fudgy, like a light version of flourless chocolate cake.
Enjoy the fondue!
Yum…I have yet to swap white for WW in brownies…sometimes I don’t like to sacrifice my treats. But those do look delicious!
I love the melting pot – I have been there a few times and every time we go we get the meat course. Then we discuss how we should skip the meat course and just go for the cheese and chocolate – those are the best parts!
Enjoy!
Mmm…The Melting Pot is so delicious. You’ll enjoy it. Have a great date night.
Yum! I love the Melting Pot! I hope you have a good time. Your brownies look delicious. I’m always on the look out for healthier desserts!
the melting pot is amazing! you’ll love it!
I’ll just ignore the statement you made about “hating Ohio State”. I know you didn’t mean it. You just couldn’t have meant it.
The brownies sound AMAMAMAZING. I haven’t had a brownie in ages. I think I may have to make some soon…or no-bake cookies, I’m in the mood now. I need to check out this whole wheat pastry flour you area always blogging about! I did buy some 75% reduced fat Cabot at TJs the other day, by the way
So cheap!! I’m almost out of it though, in 5 days 
hehe
Hope date night at the Melting Pot was fun! I’ve never been there but I hear great things. I’m sure you looked stellar in your heels! Yeahhhhhh!
I love fondue! I’ve never been to the Melting Pot – but I’ve heard it was amazing! Enjoy yourself!
I’ve never been to The Melting Pot, but it’s on my list of placed to go to. Can’t wait to see what you got and how you liked it.
Those look sooo good!
I’ve been to the Metling Pot, it’s fun but plan on having at least 2 hours for dinner!!!
When the word skinny is in the title, I’ve decided it doesn’t count as a splurge but is instead a well-balanced addition to a healthy meal
And yes, that is how I justify many things in life. Have fun at the fondue place! I’ve heard the melting pot is awesome.
I’m not a huge fan of reduced calorie/fat treats because I’d rather just have less of the real thing, but my hubby does like this kind of baked good so maybe I’ll try them for him! Plus, I have some whole wheat pastry flour I’ve been meaning to use!