Quick Coco-Loco Brownie: less guilt = more happy

This single-serve, super-easy, microwave in 60 seconds, healthier version of a dark chocolate brownie leaves nothing to be desired...well, except a glass of cold milk. I made one for our nanny today and she said it was "the best brownie" she's ever had. I'll take it. It quenches my chocolate craving without being too rich and even has a coconut essence thanks to the use of coconut oil. My mouth is watering and I've just written a paragraph!!!

Chocolate makes me happy. My happiness seems to depend on it more about once per month ;-) Sometimes I have these "Gotta have it now!!!!" cravings but making a PAN of anything leads to constant consumption of said thing until it's gone....or in the trash....or at the neighbors. But by the time I've tossed it in the trash or thrown it at the neighbors it's because I've consumed enough to feel really bad. There goes my happy. This single serving of chocolatey goodness has solved my lack of will-power dilemma. I've also replaced some not-so-good ingredients with some better-for-me ingredients so I can feel even better about it.

Dark chocolate and coconut oil are the stars of this recipe and have some serious health and mood benefits. Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA) which your brain creates when falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins which make you feel happier. [...]

---

Coconut oil contains high levels of medium chain fatty acids. We used to think that fats like this contributed to weight gain and heart disease and we now know this isn't true. In fact a study in 2009 showed that women who ate about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day for 12 weeks did not gain weight and also lost abdominal fat. This is because coconut oil can positively impact our hormones that manage things like thyroid levels and insulin control which can rev metabolism and have a positive impact on mood. Check out this article from Dr. Oz to find out more about the surprising benefits of coconut oil. And, btw, Trader Joe's has THE CHEAPEST organic virgin coconut oil I can find. 

HAPPY CHOCOLATE TIME!!!!!!

2 Tbs. coconut oil
4 Tbs. whole wheat flour
2 Tbs.+ brown sugar
2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey's Special Dark)
2 Tbs. water
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of Kosher salt (or regular old table salt)

1. Grab a 12 oz coffee mug, add coconut oil and microwave for 30 sec if solid. Wash and dry the tablespoon while the oil is melting.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the coffee cup and MIX WELL. I guesstimate the vanilla so I don't dirty another spoon.
3. Microwave for about 60 seconds. This part will depend on your microwave and your personal taste. I like mine to be a little underdone and oozey in the center. 

ENJOY!!! Let me know how you like it!

**Help me in my goal of changing people's minds about therapy by clicking the 'like' button below to share on your Facebook page. :-)