January 2, 2009

5-minute Microwave Brownies - Low fat & Whole wheat

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Wishing everyone who is reading this a very Happy & Healthy New Year 2009.

I started blogging towards the latter part of this year, and this feels wonderful! I have made a lot of new friends, and a lot of new, healthy recipes that I am proud of.
Along the way, I have learnt a lot of things about cooking and eating healthy which I would have been clueless about a few years back. Thanks to all the encouragement from my family and friends.

There is this tradition that I believe in (so do a lot of people) that making and eating something sweet today, will make the whole year sweet and enjoyable.
Chocolate says festive, joy and sweetness to me. And a brownie is an excellent way to put all there is in a chocolate to play. This is my healthy take on this recipe from George Duran of Food Network.
This recipe was requested by one of my friends from school... she wanted them,
low-fat, relatively healthy, sugar free and one that can be made in a microwave quickly.

I have covered almost all of them except for the sugar part. I used regular granulated sugar but it may be substituted with Splenda if you are making it for a diabetic person. You could also use Agave as a slightly better alternative for regular sugar.

Whole wheat pastry flour is one of the healthiest forms of flour out there, and is suitable for baking and making pastries. If you don't get this where you live, then you may use All purpose flour.

Points to note:

Use a 8" or 9" pan for baking this, and it should be at least 2"-3" tall. The batter tends to expand a lot while cooking.

I baked the brownies for 5 minutes in my microwave. And learnt that 4 minutes (or lesser) in mine would have been ideal since it is quite a powerful microwave.
It tasted great when served immediately, but mine dried out a little as time went by.

So while making this, adjust the cooking time according to your microwave.
For a normal microwave: 4 1/2 - 5 minutes (exactly) to make this.
For a powerful microwave: Not more than 4 minutes.

Do not bake in the microwave for more than 5 minutes even if it looks undone. It tends to cook a little during the 3 minute resting period.

Go ahead, impress your friends and family with this quick dessert this New Year.

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5-minute Microwave Brownies - Low fat & Whole wheat

Ingredients:

Whole wheat pastry flour - 1/2 c (minus 1 tbsp)
Baking powder - 1/2 tsp
Eggs - 2
Sugar - 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (add more if you like them sweeter)
Unsalted butter - 4 tbsp
Unsweetened chocolate - 3 oz.
Vanilla - 1 tbsp
Chopped Walnuts - 1/4 cup
Chocolate chips - 1/4 cup (To sprinkle on top)

Method:

Spray a 9" microwave safe dish and keep aside.

Sift whole wheat pastry flour and baking powder and set aside.

Beat eggs and sugar and keep aside. Do not use a hand mixer for this. A simple large whisk/large fork would do the trick.

In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and the unsweetened chocolate and microwave it for 1-2 minutes till completely melted. Take it out and whisk till shiny and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Mix in the vanilla, eggs and sugar mixture to this and whisk quickly. Make sure the chocolate is not too hot, or it will scramble the eggs.

Add the flour until completely incorporated. Fold in the nuts.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. No need to cover entirely. It should look like this.

prebake

Microwave for 4-5 minutes.

Let it rest for 3 minutes.

Spread the chocolate chips (that has now melted) on top into a smooth layer.

Cut and serve with cold ice cream, or enjoy them as it is! How quick was that?
For a few minutes of work, this is way better than the oven baked ones.

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95 comments:

  1. Nice recipe ..love the way , the chocolate chips that as melted over the brownie..

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  2. Anudivya, A very Happy New Year to you!
    Brownies look fantastic! great pictures!

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  3. wow! these look utterly delicious.....have a great year ahead!

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  4. anu,seeing the first part of what you wrote,i just seen me there..even now i have the writing pad saying all those,about my entering the blog world,making friends and so on..But you know anu,last minute i change everything..the problem with my writing is that i start editing from brain itself..ha ha..

    And your brownies look so yummy that i drool to have one...
    May this new year turn sweet to you..

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  5. Microwavable Brownies... now I can handle this.. I hope you are well, nice to see you cooking, baking.. I've done nothing but be lazy since we got home = ) BTW, they look DELISH!

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  6. oh my!! these look delicious! and best of all they re low fat.what can be better :) Happy new year to you too. thanks for this nice recipe :)

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  7. Anu you are such a clever girl. I always get the urge to try out your recipes :-) Will try this one too ( shall I use regular atta ? ...I am tempted to try )& will let you know how it turns out. Have yet to try out your rava bread but will do so soon. Happy new year to you too & hope this year will bring all of us all things good.

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  8. Beautiful brownies, Anu! What a nice way to welcome the year:) Happy 2009!

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  9. wow, does it really take 5 mins??that's amazing!
    Wish u and ur family a very happy new year!

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  10. PERFECT FOR THE NEW YEAR.I TOO MAKE & LIKE MW BROWNIES

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  11. luscious brownies,for a sweet start of the new year:)

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  12. What a clever idea! I've heard of microwave brownies from a mix, but this is even better :)
    Happy 2009!

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  13. wow, those look like they came out quite well! Who would have thought of microwave brownies?! Happy New Year!

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  14. lovely brownies! so tempting. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year 2009!

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  15. I am reading:-) Thats the easiest recipe for a dessert I have seen. I remember my sis in Law makes a chco. cake int he microwave, but never tried it myself!

    lovely pics. & have a sweet year ahead.

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  16. Very immpresssive Dhivya, looks moist and delicious.
    New year wishes to You and your family !

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  17. Very immpresssive Dhivya, looks moist and delicious.
    New year wishes to You and your family !

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  18. wish you a happy new year, dear anudivya.

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  19. I hope you have a fantastic new year!

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  20. Looks absolutely scrumptious, wonderful way to start the year. Happy 2009 !

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  21. The brownies look pretty good. I like these quick and easy ones.
    Happy New Year Anudivya. Hope this year brings you joy and prosperity.

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  22. Divya,
    The brownies look delicious.
    Happy New Year. :)

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  23. Happy New year Divya..:)
    Your brownies looks soo yummy..Would love to taste it sometime..;)

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  24. Thanks for the comment.Whole wheat pastry flour can be used instead of ap flour.But they may become denser and may not be that crisp.But definitely healthier.I followed the traditional version with flour.

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  25. WOw,thats so cool! Great start anu!
    I love microwave because it makes everything fast!!Brownies looks so nice...:)

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  26. very nice. quick brownies. eggless recipe irundha sollu.

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  27. brownies look so yum. hey,i have the same belief too, but i didn't make anything this year. I have sweets from india since i just returned and ate them heartily :-) I don't even want to make any resolution related to weight ;-)

    Wish you a very happy new year, btw!

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  28. Hey Divya,

    Thanks! Thanks !! Thanks !!!

    I am sure the sugar part will not be a problem....

    Will try them out and let you know for sure....

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  29. Happy new year to you Anudivya..Low-fat wheat brownies, thts just great..

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  30. The brownies look delicious Divya!

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  31. what a easy recipe..will try soon...how do u come up with such nice & easy recipes...Happy new year to u & ur family

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  32. wish u a Happy New Year, Those Brownies r really nice n quick, so tempting..

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  33. anu,i just have mentioned you in my blog while writing..hope are enjoying the new year !!

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  34. Am a new blogger. Seeing ur comments in my blog makes me very enthu.Thanks.

    Your receipes are wonderful..

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  35. Am a new blogger. Seeing ur comments in my blog makes me very enthu.Thanks.

    Your receipes are wonderful..

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  36. That looks and sounds so very Perfect
    Loved the colour,the texture ,the breezy eeeeezzy recipe and ofcourse the health quotient
    Happy New year dear !

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  37. They look beautiful. Happy New Year.

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  38. WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
    RAMKUMAR

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  39. wow this one looks so yum,,.everywhere i go,..i see sweet dishes,...keep rockin,..:-)

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  40. Wonderful brownies... Have bookmarked it. Will try it soon. Love the low fat version. YUM! YUM!

    Happy new year!!!!....

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  41. wow Divya..these brownies looks very delicious & Very easy to make

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  42. That is a scruptious piece . Happy New Year!

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  43. Wow, Picture perfect.. Looks so tempting !! Happy New year !!

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  44. Wow great pictures. 5 minutes microwave brownies are unbelievable. Let me try it. Can u pls send ur mail id to rajikarthik@hotmail.com?

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  45. Lovely brownies Divya. It doesn't look like it only took 5 minutes to bake it.

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  46. Low fat, whole wheat, chocolate and 4 minutes all rolled into one! Is it possible? I'm definitely trying this one!

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  47. happy happy new year! neat recipe here, something my chocolate loving brother will love!

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  48. What an excellent way to start off the new year and stick to those healthy resolutions. You never cease to amaze me... Happy New Year!

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  49. Wow, these came out of the microwave? I would have never guessed. Happy new year!

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  50. OK, that looks seriously droolworthy. Happy New Year!

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  51. Wow!! Anu Browines are awesome. Your recipes are healthy and rocking always.

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  52. mouthwatering brownies yaar,,, and wishing u n ur family a happy new year

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  53. Look soo yummy & utterley delicious..I wish to have one Anu:)

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  54. Can't argue with a healthy sweet start to the new year. Have a great new year, Divya.

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  55. That looks luscious and perfect... can't believe how easy it is to whip together.

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  56. Anudivya, HAPPY NEW YEAR. What a clever girl you are. Making brownies in the microwave. I am writing down this recipe and trying it out. May all your wishes for 2009 come true my friend. Hugs.

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  57. Wow anu, they look so delicious and healthy too. Great recipe. Wishing u a very happy new year.

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  58. This is my kinda recipe....!! I'll make it for me and my kiddos...Happy new year!

    cheers,trupti

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  59. kalakunga.. looks super .. HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR>>

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  60. Looks great and in five minutes... Thats cool.. Cant argue on starting the new year on a sweeter note [I did dig into nice chocolate cake at sharp twelve :P.. Last time when you mentioned whole wheat pastry flour tried looking for it.. but looks like it is not available here.. I actually like your take on healthy food :d I am slowly trying to incorporate healthy habits :D

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  61. Happy new year!

    Love the texture of the brownies - great photos!

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  62. I have just vowed to return to healthier eating and this will help if I have a sudden chocolate or sweet craving. I like your blog very much. Happy New Year.

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  63. Nice one, sounds verty healthy too!:)

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  64. Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  65. Love the idea they are low-fat and whole wheat. They look yummy.

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  66. A very Happy New Year to you. The brownies look wonderful. I liked that you used whole wheat pastry flour.

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  67. Happy new year!
    I just made some brownies - the old fashioned way ;) but I'm intrigued by your microwave version. Is yours a fancy convection microwave?

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  68. I totally agree, chocolate means celebration and my fiance would settle for nothing less. I have to say, these don't look healthy, they look sinfully delicious! Great work!

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  69. first time here..absolutely loved your blog..gr8 pictures..i must say the brownies looks sooooo yummmmyyy..never tried anything in microwave but have to try these..Happy New Year

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  70. lovely recipe! i am yet to experiment with microwave cooking :)

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  71. Wow Wow!! lovely chocolate... yumyum yummmm divya.!

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  72. Can't wait to try this anu...luv the colour...yum! pongiduthunnu sonniye appuram m/w clean panniya...evalo neram achu ..hehehe....

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  73. Those look delicious!!! Can't wait to try it.

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  74. Cant believe this came out of a microwave. The texture looks picture perfect.

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  75. HAPPY 2009 to you & your family...& the brownies look indulgent indeed! Great post Anu!!

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  76. Happy 2009 to you and your family too Divya!! Thanks for such a quick and wonderful recipe. I have been inspired by your blog to cook, bake, experiment.

    Keep cooking, keep blogging, keep spreading the love!

    -Purvi

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  77. Hi Anudivya

    your brownies look yummy. Keep up the creativity in you. First time here, I find your blog "nutritive" and "delicious". Very beautiful site.
    Thank you for the comment and wish you a very happy New Year and to all at home.

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  78. Anu, where do we find whole wheat pastry flour? Can we use regular whole wheat flour if we can't find pastry flour?

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  79. happy new year anu...
    the brownies look just so delicious...cant wait to try it!!

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  80. MMMM..mazing!!
    Belated happy new year! I am back in thje blogosphere!

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  81. YUMMY!! I came looking for this after reading your comment at Aroma. Looks so good. I have few MW books I am trying desserts, savories etc. too. Aren't they fun to make so quickly? Kids love them too. I made Orange cake few month's ago, it was fab! :))

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  82. Quick desserts especially like these are such a treat..Loved the recipe, simple and delectable..

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  83. Yummmmmyy looking brownies...To me all thats brown goes well...:) They look delicious!!!

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  84. do you have any idea about the calorie content

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  85. awesome blog anu! am so impressed! and i love the healthy twist...some of these are simple enough even for me! (Harini - your cuz)

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  86. very tempting .....can we replace maida instead of whole wheat pastry flour?

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  87. This is DELICIOUS!
    I didn't have the unsweetened chocolate, so I substituted 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa and one tbsp butter for each oz of chocolate listed, which is 9 tbsp of cocoa and 3 tbsp of butter in total.
    These brownies look AMAZING so far-- can't wait to taste them! :D

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  88. Oh, and the best thing to do for the chocolate chips is to put them on after the brownie is finished baking-- when I put them on before, they sunk into the brownie itself.
    It still tastes delicious either way, though :D

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  89. i like drizzling mealted chocolate on top

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  90. great post, I really like it. Thanks for posting. :)

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  91. mouthwatering! very tempting. wish to have a taste of it.

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  92. I don't use a microwave. Can I bake in the oven and do you have a recipe for that? Thanks Sher in Ohio

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  93. @Anon- You can bake the same recipe in an oven at 375F just until the center is baked completely.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment on this post. I will try to respond to queries as soon as I can. If I miss anything that needs to be addressed... please feel free to ping me again.
Happy cooking/baking or whatever it is you are doing in the kitchen! :)