Paula Recommends …Gluten Free Chocolate Walnut Brownies

|In Nutrition
|By Pam Dey

This sweet treat is chock full of healthy fats (walnuts and olive oil) phytochemicals (dark chocolate, cocoa, maple syrup) fiber, protein, and deliciousness while keeping added sugar to a minimum. Plus, they are dairy and gluten free.
– Paula Meyer, Mission Training Center Nutritionist 

Ingredients
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
8 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70 percent cacao) chopped
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1⁄2 teaspoon coarse salt
2/3 cup almond flour
1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Brush an 8-inch square baking pan with oil. Line with parchment, leaving overhang. Brush parchment with oil
3. Melt half of chocolate in a heatproof bowl; whisk in oil, sugar and syrup. Remove from heat.
4. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, then cocoa, baking soda and salt
5. Fold in flour and remaining chocolate
6. Pour batter into prepared pan; sprinkle with walnuts
7. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes
8. Let cool completely on a wire rack
9. To serve, cut into 16 2-inch squares

Nutrition information: per serving (1 brownie): 206 calories, 16g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 17 carbs, 3g protein, 2 g fiber.