Hi there! My name is Gabby Venckute, and I am a Sodexo Distance Intern in Chicago. I am just beginning my dietetic internship at Norwegian American Hospital and I would love to share some of the tricks that I frequently use in my kitchen.
I love dessert! But sometimes I feel guilty about eating it because it’s “unhealthy.” The major offenders in desserts are often saturated fat and added sugar. Well, worry no more. I’m here to give you some tips on how to use healthy substitutes for your next delicious baking experience.
Next time you’re in the kitchen try reducing the added sugar by using unsweetened applesauce (which is so versatile and only has 100 calories per 1 cup) or a mashed banana. You could also try adding extra vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon, and cutting the amount of sugar by one-half. Fats such as butter, margarine, and shortening can be substituted with applesauce, avocado, prune puree, mashed bananas, or a nut butter.
These are just some of the strategies to help you satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. I am always experimenting with new ingredients to make the same old recipes taste better and healthier. I encourage you to do the same!
I love dessert! But sometimes I feel guilty about eating it because it’s “unhealthy.” The major offenders in desserts are often saturated fat and added sugar. Well, worry no more. I’m here to give you some tips on how to use healthy substitutes for your next delicious baking experience.
Next time you’re in the kitchen try reducing the added sugar by using unsweetened applesauce (which is so versatile and only has 100 calories per 1 cup) or a mashed banana. You could also try adding extra vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon, and cutting the amount of sugar by one-half. Fats such as butter, margarine, and shortening can be substituted with applesauce, avocado, prune puree, mashed bananas, or a nut butter.
These are just some of the strategies to help you satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. I am always experimenting with new ingredients to make the same old recipes taste better and healthier. I encourage you to do the same!
| Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ cup stevia ¼ cup brown sugar ⅓ cup 1% milk 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 egg white, slightly beaten 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 tablespoons pastel M&Ms (optional) | Yield: 12 servings Serving size: 1/12 of pan Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. 3. In a medium size bowl, beat brown sugar, Stevia, milk, egg, egg white and applesauce with a spoon until well mixed. 4. Stir wet mixture into dry mixture until blended. 5. Spread mixture evenly into pan. Carefully top mixture with M&Ms before placing in oven. 6. Bake for 23-25 minutes until edges are brown and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. |
