Slender Blondie Brownies

Shh! These moist and fudgy low-fat bars, studded with crunchy peanuts and bittersweet chocolate chips, have a secret ingredient.

Recipe Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup light olive oil
2/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped prunes
1/4 cup peanuts
1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt onto a piece of waxed paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the oil and sugar until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in the egg whites and vanilla. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
3. Fold in the prunes, peanuts and chips.
4. Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist-looking crumbs. Cool 5 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 12 pieces and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Makes 12 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/12 of recipe; 1 brownie):; Calories: 149; Calories from Fat: 72; Fat: 8g; Trans fats: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Carbohydrate: 19 g; Protein: 3g; Fiber: 2g; Sodium: 64mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the National Peanut Board.