You've been good all week, making healthy decisions through breakfast , lunch , snack time and dinner -- you deserve a treat! Try these light versions of sweet treats pulled from the AJC archives, and read about how to stay on track with your resolutions here .
Double Chocolate Chip Brownies
20 brownies
Hands on: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4 egg whites
1 (2 1/2-ounce) jar baby food prunes
1/3 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, add the baby food prunes, buttermilk and vanilla. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix until blended. Stir in the chocolate chips. Spread batter in the baking pan and sprinkle walnuts on top. Bake 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
--- From "Healthy Homestyle Desserts" by Evelyn Tribole (Viking Press, $24.95)
Apple-Oatmeal Cookies
Makes 40 cookies
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
These soft cookies have a hint of cinnamon.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment.
In a large bowl, cream butter or margarine, honey, egg and vanilla until smooth. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats and apple.
Drop by generous teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
--- Adapted from www.allrecipes.com
Per serving: 57 calories (percent of calories from fat, 40), 1 gram protein, 8 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams fat, 5 milligrams cholesterol, 44 milligrams sodium.
Watermelon Popsicles
8 servings
Hands on: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes, plus 3 or more hours freezing time
This mixture can also become sorbet. Prepare as directed, but do not add the chocolate chips. Chill, and then freeze in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. During the last minute of churning, add the chips.
Adding a little vodka prevents the sorbet from getting too icy.
3 cups watermelon juice, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Big pinch of salt
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
About the Author
