Chocoholics rejoice!  If you are a chocolate or brownie lover who feels guilty when you enjoy your favorite treat, give this delicious recipe for a Lightened-Up Brownie a try.  You will find yourself wondering if this really is a lightened-up version when you sink your teeth into the fudgy treat with its creamy chocolate frosting.  Each brownie has only 144 calories and 2 grams of fat--no trans fat!  Add a fourth of a cup of chopped walnuts, if you desire.  They will slightly change the above numbers but walnuts are a healthy nut that should be part of your diet so not to worry.  You will be happy to have this tasty treat in your recipe file!

LIGHTENED UP BROWNIES

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute
2 tsp vanilla
1 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 envelope whipped topping mix (half of a 2.6-oz box)
1/2 cup low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch baking pan with enough foil to hang over the sides. Coat the foil well with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, half the cocoa powder, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer at low speed, combine the buttermilk, one cup of the sugar, egg, and half the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture then the melted chocolate. Pour into the prepared baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

With mixer on low speed, combine the topping mix, remaining cocoa and remaining sugar. Add the milk and the remaining vanilla. Increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy. Spread over the brownies.

Enjoy!

For more "sweet treats" visit my blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com