Peanut Butter Brownies

Ah, such a weekend... I could get used to these glorious weekends without homework! :-) I'm trying not to get too adjusted to the bliss of being able to relax without a textbook, because I shall have to return to full time school (plus continuing full time work!) soon enough, but for now it is lovely to purely, simply enjoy the satisfaction of a peaceful weekend after a diligent week's employment.

We've spent this weekend in continued celebration of Zach's completion of his board exams, driving to downtown Atlanta 2 days in succession to enjoy a bit of dining out and a pint or two of dark Belgian beer at our new favorite pub, The Brick Store, so today it was high time to celebrate at home again. Our friend Desmond drove down from South Carolina for a visit, and together Zach and Desmond grilled BBQ hamburgers and the most heavenly grilled asparagus and squash for an idyllic lunch in the sun on the backyard patio...

(Zach and Desmond trying to look as silly as possible... :-)

I'm so very proud of Zach and all he's accomplished while committing an inordinate amount of knowledge to memory in preparation for this exam... Hence, in Zach's honor, since it's celebration time... This weekend it was also Peanut Butter Brownies Time!

Peanut Butter Brownies

5 T butter or light vegan margarine
5 T applesauce
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter, divided
1 1/4 cups raw sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 egg whites, beaten
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup white flour

~ Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper, and coat the paper with cooking spray.
~ In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the butter or marg, applesauce, 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and melted. Set the mixture aside to cool until it's just warm, not piping hot.
~ Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently, stir in the vanilla.
~ Stir in the egg whites until well combined.
~ Stir in the flours until the mixture is smooth.
~ Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spoon to dollop small bits of the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter across the top of the brownies.
~ Bake for 20 to 25 minutes - until the center is just set.
~ Serve with whipped cream, of course...