Oat Bran Brownies: a nutritionally neutral snack

Recently, one little muse has been eating a lot of chocolate... A LOT of chocolate! When the jeans start to get a little snug and one resigns oneself to wearing only dresses, you know you have a problem - the chocolate eating has gotten a little out of hand.

One solution might be to just eat apples and carrots every time a craving hits. However, the Muses aren't about to tell you to abandon yourself to eating tofu salad everyday for lunch. No, no, when all you want to eat are Peanut M&Ms, but all you should eat is dry whole grain toast, the best thing to do is SYNERGIZE.

Welcome - whole grain brownies.

Chocolate - good for the soul. Whole grains - good for the waist line. Now, the Muses don't have any scientific proof to back up our claims here. But basic logic would say that if whole grains quicken the digestion process then eating whole grain chocolate would give you the experience of savoring delectable chocolate without making it stick. Right? Right. Our science-y friends that can disprove this theory can go read another blog and keep eating grass. The rest of you, stay with us. The Muses have created a whole grain brownie recipe that will not disappoint your discerning palates.

Oat bran in this recipe gives the brownies a really great texture that is a little meatier. These are really fantastic, a little sweet with the perfect bite, and a pinch of salt. Mmmm, give 'em a try!

Oat Bran - Almond Brownies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened + 2 tablespoons (divided)

2 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup dutch-process cocoa

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon espresso powder

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 cup oat bran

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup slivered almonds

2-3 teaspoons sea salt

350°

Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper

Melt butter and sugar together in microwave until sugar is mainly dissolved (do not allow to bubble).

Add cocoa, salt, baking powder, espresso powder and vanilla, stir to combine. Add eggs, one at a time, until combined.

Mix in oat bran and flour mixing until incorporated, then fold in chocolate chips. Spread batter into prepared pan.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle batter with slivered almonds, then brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake brownies for 25-35 minutes.

Let cool - enjoy without regret.