I love spending time with my family, and I can’t think of a better way to spend time than preparing a batch of brownies! These fiber and protein packed breakfast brownies have all the vitamins and minerals in fresh-milled whole grain, too.
I talk often about intentional eating only because I want more energy and a highly functioning body to do God’s work. I want that for you and your children too! Therefore, it’s worth taking 25 minutes out of my busy schedule to teach them how to live, prepare, and enjoy life a little more. It also helps them avoid future chronic disease.
Plus, handing them processed packaged doughnuts and cakes don’t give them the vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein they need to function in school, pay attention, and learn like these brownies will.
Brownies from the Garden? Yes, and All the Benefits too!
Now, I know you’re probably thinking brownies don’t come from the garden. However, cocoa beans come from one of the most plentiful and nutrient rich gardens in the world! They are packed with phytonutrients and minerals and according to a PubMed article they help muscle uptake of glucose for better use. The better our muscles use glucose the better we control our weight. Cocoa also helps neurons in the circulatory system improve thinking and helps boost the mood (1)
Like cocoa, dates also come from tropical areas. Although high in natural sugar and carbs, they contain a good amount of selenium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and complex B vitamins. Not only that, but they are a good source of fiber. Lord knows, we need more fiber to flush out all the toxins and chemicals we are exposed to daily.
You’ll get even more fiber, protein, B vitamins, and vitamin E in the whole grain and oats used in this brownie recipe. Plus the oats are rich in beta-glucan and known for helping to control diabetes and lower cholesterol. (2)
God’s always looking out for you and your family, my friend. Let’s give Him praise for His abundant goodness!
Devotion
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
Psalm 31:18-20 ESV – Let the lying lips be mute, which speak – Bible Gateway
You and I can take comfort in knowing we have such a mighty Champion who stores up goodness for us! He is working for us, in us and through us to reach this lost and broken world. Physically and mentally, my friend! What greater peace than to take refuge in Him. Moreover, when we do, we teach our children to do the same.
They can maneuver through this life with the teachings of faithful parents and grandparents, or flounder aimlessly without purpose. Let’s take that added anxiety and frustration away by giving them the hope and confidence of God; while filling their bellies with good food.
Energy-Boosting Breakfast Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz Can Black Beans
- 2 Cups Fresh-Milled Soft Wheat
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 3 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tbsp. Ground Flax Seed
- 1/3 Cup Pureed Dates
- 1/2 Cup honey (or sugar)
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Almond Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Put 6 dates in a 1/4 cup of hot water and soak 5 minutes, then puree them in a blender
- Open the beans, rinse and drain them, then puree them in a blender (or mash with a fork)
- Fresh mill a cup of wheat berries and a cup of oat berries (or just use 1 cup store bought whole grain flour and 1 cup ground oats)
- In a large mixing bowl add the flour, ground flax and chia seed, salt, baking powder, cocoa, and mix well.
- Add the pureed beans, dates, eggs, oil, and milk and stir well.
- Place the batter in an oiled 9×13 pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
I left out my favorite walnuts in this recipe for kids at church who have nut allergies, but OH! how much better they would be with some walnuts added!
Nutrition
Thank you for stopping by today and checking out this brownie recipe! I look forward to serving you with any recipe ideas I come up with or come across, as well as encouragement from God’s mighty word. If you or your family need further coaching with health issues or chronic disease, contact me for affordable coaching, I am here for you.
Also, if your church wants to do bread workshops or participate in classes, I am available for speaking engagements and retreats for your ladies’ group.
References:
Latif R. Health benefits of cocoa. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013 Nov;16(6):669-74. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328365a235. PMID: 24100674.
Sang S, Chu Y. Whole grain oats, more than just a fiber: Role of unique phytochemicals. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017 Jul;61(7). doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201600715. Epub 2017 Feb 22. PMID: 28067025.
