Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl and Chia Seeds

It’s been a while since I’ve baked something new and different. For the past little while, I’ve been baking things I know my friends and family love  like Ginger Carrot Bread or Apple Raisin Mini Muffins. After watching an episode of my favourite cooking show Everyday Food, I knew I had to try this recipe – especially since I don’t remember ever making Brownies before. (Seriously. No joke.) I wanted to put a slight twist on it by throwing in some Chia Seeds to see how it would come out. I wondered how different it would have come out if I had soaked the seeds first, but I guess I’ll find out the next time I make it. That way I’ll see which way worked out better. All in all, it was tasty. And the kids ate it. Yes! I got some fiber into them! 😀

For those who haven’t heard about Chia Seeds – you’ll be happy to know that it’s in the Superfood category! They are an amazing source of: Protein, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Omega 3 and Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids. These are just a few of the wonderful benefits that Chia Seeds offer. Don’t you think you should try it, if you haven’t already?

Ingredients:

8 Ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate

1 Stick Butter

Cream Cheese Mixture:

4 Ounces Cream Cheese at room temperature (I used reduced fat)

2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

1 Egg at room temperature

1/4 Cup Sugar

2 Tbsp Unbleached All Purpose Flour

Dry Mixture:

1 Cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour

1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/2 Tsp Salt

1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Sugar

3 Large Eggs at room temperature

1/8 Cup Chia Seeds

Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 35o degrees.

Using a double broiler (heat-resistant glass bowl over simmering water) add stick of butter and semi-sweet chocolate. Allow to melt gently.

In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, butter, egg, sugar and flour. Mix until smooth and combined.

In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Whisk to combine.

Remove melted chocolate from heat. Stir gently to ensure butter and chocolate are combined. Add sugar and 3 eggs. Add the dry ingredients.  Mix gently until flour is incorporated.

You’ll  need a 9-inch baking pan. Grease the pan using cooking spray. Using 2 pieces of wax paper, layer in the pan in the form of a cross (one vertical, the other horizontal), spraying between layers, and finally spraying the top.

Pour most of the batter into the baking pan. Place small portions of the cream cheese mixture randomly on top. In the spaces, put the rest of the chocolate mixture.  Using a sharp knife, make a pattern using a continuous line from one end of the pan to the other (lets say, from left to right), about 2 inches apart until you get to the bottom. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Use the wax paper to help lift the brownie out of the pan. The extra greasing should help it slide out nicely. When cooled, cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!

And there you have it! Easy does it. Although I liked how this turned out, I think I will try it again with soaked Chia Seeds as the raw ones gave a bit of a crunch. Perhaps I am the first to come up with a “crunchy brownie.” 😀

Until next time~ take care of you!

Lyn