With all the Christmas cookies, nut rolls and pies that I consumed over the holidays, I was really craving some brownies. Plain and simple, chocolatey brownies. When I went to my inbox yesterday, it was like Stonyfield was reading my mind.. they sent out 4 new recipes for the new year, and one was a brownie recipe using yogurt! So my kind of recipe.
I woke up early for the first time since Christmas (waking up at 7 am on Christmas after sleeping on a springy couch mattress will do that to you..), and I had these brownies baked and cooled by noon. Now THAT was an awesome feeling. I was a little bit nervous because the brownies seemed to really rise while they were in the oven. I really can’t handle a super cakey brownie, but I was pleasantly surprised by how dense and fudgy these are! The yogurt adds a slight tang, which I think goes along really nicely with its richness.
One thing to beware of with these brownies, though – don’t eat any without a nice, tall glass of milk! It’s so necessary with these. And so, so delicious. And with the greek yogurt and whole wheat flour, they’re higher in protein and fiber than your normal brownie. So go ahead and indulge; I won’t tell if you don’t!
Fudgy Chocolate Brownies
yields 12 large brownies
1 cup chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli’s 60%)
2 T butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 t vanilla
2/3 cup agave nectar
1 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
In the microwave (or using a double boiler), melt the chocolate chips and butter together at 30 second intervals until completely melted, stirring in between. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs and vanilla, and mix in the agave nectar and greek yogurt. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture into the yogurt mixture and stir. Stir in the chocolate, and mix until fully incorporated. Pour into a greased or parchment lined 8×8″ pan, and bake at 350ºF for 25-30 minutes, until toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.