Beet Brownies Recipe of the Month

“Valentine’s Day always makes me think of chocolate. These brownies have plenty of chocolate in them, but also a bonus – beets! While not healthy (they are brownies), the beets provide added fiber, folate, potassium, iron, vitamin C and more benefits. They also add a little red to the batter, making them especially perfect for Valentine’s Day. I use about two beets and my kids and husband (who aren’t a fan of beets) give them a thumbs-ups. Beet lovers could add more beets for additional health benefits and richer color, but that may change the flavor profile.”

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 medium beets, boiled and peeled (time-saving tip – I buy pre-cooked beets at Costco)

• 1 cup of unsalted butter

• 1¾ cups semisweet chocolate chips, separated into 1¼ cups and ½ cup

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 eggs

• 1¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Optional toppings – red sprinkles, red and pink M&Ms, etc.

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Prepare a 9”x9” pan – I like to spray with cooking spray or spread parchment paper on it.

3. In a food processor, place beets. Process until smooth and into a beet puree. Mine makes about one cup of beet puree.

4. While processing, melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 60 seconds or until melted. Stir in 1 ½ cup chocolate chips and stir with a large spatula until the chips are melted.

5. Add sugars and vanilla, and continue to mix with spatula. Then, add in eggs and pureed beets. Mix well.

6. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Then, slowly add to batter and combine until just mixed. Add in the remaining ½ cup chocolate chips.

7. Pour into the prepared pan. Optional – sprinkle seasonal M&Ms or red sprinkles on the batter to make them even more festive.

8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in comes out clean. I use a glass pan and find them done in about 39 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting and serving. Optional – use festive cookie cutters to cut into hearts or other shapes.

— Melissa Koski Carney