CHOCOLATE SWIRL BROWNIES

These are dark, rich, knock-your-socks-off chocolate brownies. No one will ever know they are reduced fat, reduced sugar, and made with whole-wheat grains. Make sure to have a selection of fresh fruit on the dessert buffet such as cherries, grapes and berries.

4 ounces Neufchatel or reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided

2 large eggs, at room temperature, divided

¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour

½ cup cocoa powder

¾ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

¼ cup canola oil

1 cup (6 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips ½ cup low-fat buttermilk

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl. Separate 1 of the eggs, reserving the white for later use, and add the yolk to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until creamy and smooth with a spatula or hand-held mixer. Set aside.

In a second medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside.

In a third medium bowl, heat the oil and chocolate in the microwave, until melted. Pour the chocolate over the dry ingredients. Add the buttermilk, applesauce, remaining teaspoon vanilla, remaining whole egg, and the reserved egg white. Stir to combine. Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared pan.

Using a tablespoon, drop 9 dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Draw the tip of a sharp knife or skewer through the 2 batters in a crisscross fashion to create a swirled effect.

Bake the brownies about 40 minutes, until the top is just firm to the touch, rotating halfway through baking. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Coat a serrated knife with nonstick cooking spray and cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Makes 16 (2-inch) square brownies.

Per brownie: 183 calories (percent of calories from fat, 39), 3 grams protein, 27 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 8 grams total fat (3 grams saturated), 27 milligrams cholesterol, 134 milligrams sodium.

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If you’re looking for big, bold chocolate flavor, these Chocolate Swirl Brownies are for you. No one will ever know they are reduced fat and reduced sugar.