Recipe: Micki's Simple Brownies (using olive oil)

MICKI'S SIMPLE BROWNIES

"This is an old-fashioned brownie. Because of the air whipped into the first stage of this recipe, it comes out crunchy and chewy. To make these brownies even more decadent, add the chocolate chips."

4 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate baking squares
1/3 cup pure olive oil
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 8x8-inch pan with olive oil cooking spray.

Place chocolate and olive oil in a small glass mixing bowl. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Stir until melted and smooth. Set aside.

In mixer bowl add eggs, sugar and vanilla and mix on medium/high speed for 5 minutes. Add in chocolate mixture and blend until smooth and creamy.

Fold in flour and salt. Mix until just moistened. Do not overmix. If adding chocolate chips, gently blend in.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove, cool slightly. Serve and enjoy.

Makes 1 (8-inch) pan
Source: Olive Oil Desserts: Delicious and Healthy Heart Smart Baking by Micki Sanner