Healthy Brownies

*Note about working with Stevia:

Stevia is a 100% natural sweetener that does not have harmful side effects like aspartame and sucralose. Stevia can be tricky, and you can quickly add too much. You may need different amounts depending on the brand. The brand I used in this recipe is fairly inexpensive and is called, "Sweet 'n Natural Powder" by Supererior Source. You can get a pretty good sized container of it at Trader Joe's for about $6. Watch out for the Stevia brands that have added fiber in them- not good when you're using such high amounts as you would in baking. Trust me on this one- otherwise, you'll be on the toilet for hours! Get the kind that is just regular Stevia powder with no added fiber. Also be aware that different brands can have a certain detectable "bitterness" in the aftertaste, so choose carefully. The brand I used is very sweet with no detectable bitter aftertaste. Remember, add it gradually and sweeten to taste. Keep in mind also that Stevia will not act like sugar, so you may notice a slight difference in texture with Stevia baked goods.

You can make these into cookies or just like regular brownies:

Fitqueen's Healthy Brownies

1 1/3 cups oat flour (found in health food/organic section)
3-4 tablespoons Stevia Powder (depends on the brand, sweeten to taste)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. water
2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup SMART BALANCE LIGHT spread or similar non-hydrogenated margarine

OPTIONAL***
*1/2 cup of walnuts (great way to add in some Omega 3's!)
*1 large sugar-free chocolate bar, cut up into little pieces and mixed in for a double-chocolate treat! (this comes out great!)

DIRECTIONS:
1.) Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
2.) Place flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, and Stevia into a medium sized mixing bowl. With a fork, sift all ingredients together very well. (For at least 2 minutes) Do not skip this step! Make sure all ingredients are sifted and blended very well.
3.) In a smaller bowl, melt butter in microwave or by other means to a creamy/oily consistancy. Beat in vanilla, water, and eggs well.
4.) Pour butter mixture into flour mixture and stir until completely blended and moistened. Stir in walnuts or chocolate pieces if desired.
5.) Pour into a 9x9 or similar sized pan and bake for about 5-8 minutes, depending on your oven. NOTE**baking times can vary depending on the oven, so keep an eye on 'em because they're not as good over-cooked.
In fact, you should slightly under-cook them to retain a very moist texture due to the absense of sugar. To check, put a toothpick in the middle- if the middle is still liquidy, it's not done. Toothpick will not come out completely clean, but you want to make sure that it's cooked to a gooey consistency and is not too liquidy.
6.) Remove from oven and cool completely before serving.

Makes about 12 servings. Enjoy your guilt-free brownies!