Sweet with Spice and everything Nice....Spiced Vegan Brownies!

Who doesn't love chocolate?  Try giving it a little kick by adding just a touch of cayenne!  Just enough to give it a little punch, but not overwhelmingly spicy.  Try it once and you won't regret it!

If you don't feel adventourous, no worries!  This recipe is great for just vegan brownies (just eliminate the cayenne)!

When it comes to anything chocolate, always make sure that you are buying cocoa.  Clearly, stay away from "milk" chocolate- that is a given.  I like to use carob chips in my brownies as well.  When they melt, they give the brownie a creamy texture!






Ingredients/Directions:

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 c  flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup carob chips

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

Preheat oven 350.  Lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish.  In one bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cayenne and salt.  In another bowl, mix together applesauce, vanilla extract and oil.  Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add in the applesauce mixture.  Mix until thoroughly combined.  Fold in carob chips.

Pour into greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool for 10 minutes and cut.