Butter-less Walnut Brownies

We ran out of butter and our eager husbands were expecting dessert after their game session. My dear baking partner did a quick check with her baking enthusiast  friends and landed with this lovely recipe without the use of butter. Everyone loved it! Enjoy!

In my opinion, the pistachios not only made the brownie looks pretty but enhance the overall taste of the brownie. So .. please do not skip the nut toppings!

My baking friend just couldn't resist!..... Served hot! Yummy!

Makes 20 small squares
Recipe can be doubled


Ingredients:
For brownies
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
5 tbsp milk (I used low fat)
1 tsp baking powder
50 g walnuts - chopped


For cocoa sauce topping
3 tbsp oil
1 tbsp cocoa powder - sieved
1/2 cup icing sugar
3 tsp milk
2 tbsp chopped pistachios 


Method:
For brownies

Preheat oven 190 degrees C

1) In a large mixing bowl, whip oil and sugar in medium speed.

2) Add egg one at a time. Whip in high speed till well combined then add vanilla. Whip for another 3 minutes on high speed.

3) Sieve flour, baking powder and cocoa powder twice before folding into the wet mixture. Whip on medium speed clockwise for 2 minutes.

5) Add milk spoon by spoon and continue whipping clockwise for 1 minute. Add walnuts and mix with cooking spoon.
6) Lightly grease baking tin with oil then line with baking paper. ( I used 9" baking tin)
7) Bake for 20 minutes. Test with tooth pick. Ready when toothpick comes out clean.

For cocoa sauce topping

1) Place a medium skillet with oil on medium heat.
2) Stir in cocoa powder till combined.
3) Remove skillet from heat then stir in icing sugar.
4) Place back skillet to heat and add milk.
5) Keep stirring until mixture turned into dark thick liquid. DO NOT BURN!
6) Let cool and pour on brownies. Top with chopped pistachios. Served warm!

3 Steps Walnut Chocolate Squares

I have been very busy and didn't really have time to make dessert for the past weeks. But today after my  early dinner I have decided  to make some really simple chocolate squares for my dear hubby .It's easy as 1 2 3! But really satisfying... Crispy crust...Warm and moist in the inside. Top up with a scoop of ice-cream would have been perfect!

Ingredients:
220 grams unsalted butter - Cut into small cubes
170 grams (6 ounces) Semi Sweet chocolate - Coarsely chopped
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp vanilla essence 
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup walnuts / pecans - coarsely chopped
Icing sugar for dusting


Method:

Preheat oven 325 degrees F ( 160 degrees C)

Step 1) Place sauce pan on low heat and melt butter and chocolate, stirring until mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step 2) Beat eggs and sugar with electrical mixer until fluffy then add chocolate mix, vanilla and salt. Continue beating till mixture is combine then fold in flour with spoon. Mix well.

Step 3) Pour batter into a greased 9'x9"x2" non-stick baking pan and sprinkle with walnuts.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool completely and dust with icing sugar before serving.

>> Tip to note : 

- To ensure the properly baked. Test with toothpick - insert into center and come out with crumbs attached.

- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts of your choice