I-Don’t-Feel-So-Guilty-Eating-These PMS Nesquik Brownies

There are days when the world feels like it’s conspiring against you, especially when that time of the month rolls around. I remember one particularly stormy afternoon, battling a monstrous craving for chocolate that wouldn’t be silenced. Raiding the pantry, I stumbled upon a forgotten canister of Nesquik, and an idea sparked. What if I could whip up a batch of brownies that satisfied my intense chocolate craving without the usual sugar overload? What followed was a surprisingly delightful experiment that resulted in these fudgy, comforting brownies. Trust me; they’re exactly what you need when the cravings hit hard.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 9
• Yields: 9 brownies
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups chocolate-flavor Nestle Nesquik powder
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg white
• 4 tablespoons canola oil
• 1⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce (use dry cup set to measure, not liquid cup)
• 1⁄3 cup chocolate chips (or any baking chips you prefer, like peanut butter chips)

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Cooking spray
• Dry measuring cup
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the Nesquik powder, flour, and baking powder. Sifting ensures that these dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps to create a lighter texture. After sifting, create a well in the center of the mixture.

3. Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour the vanilla, egg white, canola oil, and applesauce into the well you created in the center of the dry ingredients.

4. Using your whisk, thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients together. Continue whisking until you achieve a beautifully fudgy batter with no dry spots remaining. The applesauce will add moisture and a hint of sweetness, complementing the chocolate flavor of the Nesquik.

5. Add the chocolate chips (or your choice of baking chips) to the batter. Beat them in well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.

6. Take your 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it generously with cooking spray. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make them easier to remove once baked.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking. A spatula or the back of a spoon can be used to smooth out the surface.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the brownies are set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached, they are ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry brownies.

9. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving. This cooling period allows the brownies to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when cut. I know, the aroma is incredibly tempting, but patience pays off!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Applesauce is Key: Using the dry measuring cup for the applesauce ensures accuracy. Too much liquid will affect the brownie’s texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.

• Customize Your Chips: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or baking chips. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips would be delicious additions.

• Enhance the Chocolate Flavor: For a richer chocolate experience, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the dry ingredients.

• Make it Vegan: Substitute the egg white with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These brownies are best served slightly warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. You can serve them plain, or dust them with a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store, place the cooled brownies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. To reheat, warm individual brownies in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	187 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	8.6g	13%
Saturated Fat	1.8g	8%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	92mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	25.4g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1.4g	5%
Sugars	11.2g	N/A
Protein	2.6g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a delightful peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Use mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a more intense chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Why is applesauce used in this recipe?
A: Unsweetened applesauce acts as a healthier fat substitute, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness without the need for extra sugar or butter.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of canola oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute canola oil with other neutral-flavored oils like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or light olive oil.

Q: My brownies turned out dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry brownies. Be sure to check for doneness after 15 minutes and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can double the recipe. Use a larger baking pan (e.g., 9×13 inch) and increase the baking time by a few minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the brownies?
A: Toss the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the brownies.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you give these “I-Don’t-Feel-So-Guilty-Eating-These PMS Nesquik Brownies” a try. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a little hug in brownie form. Whether you’re battling cravings, in need of a comforting pick-me-up, or just want a simple and delicious dessert, these brownies are sure to hit the spot. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the variations and make them your own. I’d love to hear your feedback and any modifications you make! Happy baking!