I’ve been on a strict diet/exercise routine as of 1 week ago.  It’s less of a New Years resolution and more of “I have to lose this baby weight so I can be a sexy mama” diet.   So far it’s been going well and I’ve seen results, so I’m pleased.

I’m a firm believer that diet food should be just as tasty as regular food and I’ve achieved that with the recipes I’ve been cooking.   Since I’m no longer getting flavor from using fat i.e butter and cream, I’ve found other ways of  injecting flavor into my meals.  The key to tasty low fat foods is using tons of fresh herbs and vegetables and season, season, season…it makes all the difference in the world.  So don’t feel sorry for this foodie, I’m not deprived.

I’ve been snacking on fresh fruits and granola bites and have been satisfied until yesterday.  I had a chocolate attack.   I needed my fix.   I searched the internet and found a brownie bite recipe.   These babies are 104 calories each before the caramel and powdered sugar.  I just happened to have a jar of homemade caramel in the fridge so I added a tablespoon on top.  How can caramel be bad?   I managed to eat just one bite, it took all the will power I had but I succeeded.

Brownie Bites

adapted from Skinnytaste

2 tbsp margarine

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup cold water

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Melt margarine.  Add sugar, vanilla and water and stir.   Add flour, baking powder and cocoa powder and stir until smooth.   Stir in chopped walnuts.

Place cupcake wrappers into a muffin pan.  Divide batter equally.  You should get 8 brownie bites.   Bake for 12-15 minutes.  I like to under cook my brownies so they remain gooey.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel.