Cherries are a sweet fruit that is low in calories and have a number of benefits for your body. Due to it’s sweet flavor, they make a healthy substitute for snacks such as candy, cakes or brownies. It is chock full of antioxidants which work to slow the signs of aging. Here is my twist on a healthy but rich, decadent and delicious brownie! Yum!!

 

Did you know, cherries are made up of more than 75% of water?! This water content makes cherries a perfect weight loss food while keeping you fuller much longer. Cherries naturally contain melatonin, a natural substance that is produced by your brain to regulate sleep cycles. Eating cherries before bed acts as an all natural sleep aid that works by replacing some of the lost melatonin. Also, consuming 20 cherries is 10 times more effective than taking aspirin. It contains anthocyanins, a substance in relieving pain by blocking out inflammatory enzymes that cause it. And last but not least, they contain boron, which helps to increase bone health when consumed in conjuction with magnesium and calcium.

 

Fall in love with chia seeds! I love chia seeds, they are so easily utilized in many recipes from smoothies, baked goods, sprinkled over cereal or yogurt and so much more. And so easily absorbed in the body. This super food seed has so many health benefits from high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, excellent source of fiber (whopping 10g in only 2 tbsp), very rich in antioxidants ( help the body to protect against free radicals), high in minerals, a gluten free seed, regulates insulin levels in the body and a feeling of being full and satisfied. Chia seeds have always been a native to South America and a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. They draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. A high rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.

 

Serves 10-12

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 tbsp oat bran

2 tbsp chia seeds

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

dash salt

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, or 3/4 cup applesauce

2 tbsp buttermilk

2 tsp Madagascar vanilla

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Coat an “8×8” baking dish and line with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flours, chia, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on high until crumble or blended, about 20 seconds. Add eggs on at a time; beat on medium until blended. Add milk, vanilla and chocolate chips; beat on low until combined. Add flour mixture, beat on low until a thick batter is formed. Then fold in the fresh cherries.

Pour into a baking dish and bake until edges are slightly firm but center is soft, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 20-30 minutes. Then cut into 10-12 squares. For garnish,  make a simple chocolate Ganache and top with fresh cherries.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE: calories (per serve) 100; Total fat 3g; Saturated Fat 1.5; Sodium 15mg; Total Carbohydrates 16; Dietary Fiber 2.6g; Sugars 5g; Protein 3.7g; Calcium 4%, Iron 8%, vitamin A 1%.

 

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