Chocolate Orange Fudge Brownies

I’ve never been one to worry about my weight. I’ve always been one of those lucky people with a fast metabolism (and a dangerously large appetite). I take after my mother – when she was a teenager she waited tables at Friendly’s. During each shift, she ate two hamburgers, fries and a chocolate shake…during her 15 minute break…and she weighed a mere 100 pounds.

I definitely weigh more than 100 pounds, but I could also definitely down two veggie burgers and some fries in 15 minutes, no problem. But that’s not what this post is about. I just wanted to preface this post with that story so these gooey, ultra chocolately, not-a-bit-healthy brownies wouldn’t look so indulgent – because one (or two) of these decadent squares have to be better for you than a few burgers and fries. I think.

Chocolate Orange Fudge Brownies
Yields: About 20 brownies
Adapted from vegetarian.about.com
-1 1/4 cups butter, melted
-4 eggs
-2 cups granulated sugar
-1 1/2 cups flour
-2 tsp. orange extract
-3/4 cup cocoa powder

-1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix butter and cocoa. Stir in sugar and blend in the eggs, one at a time. Add orange extract. Stir in flour and chocolate chips; mix well.
2.) Bake in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan for 30 minutes in preheated oven. Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes before cutting into square pieces.

Ever have one of those chocolate oranges? Yeah, these taste like those – but better.

If you don’t have orange extract on hand, I’d use vanilla extract instead, and add some orange zest. I haven’t tried this method, but it sounds like it would work!

Would you consider yourself a healthy eater? I believe "everything in moderation," personally. ;)

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