Meatless Monday 8: More Onions and Dirty Blonde Brownies

Egyptian Walking Onions

We could sell at a Farmer's Market. That's how many onions we've got this year.  My favorite way to eat them is grilled, but we've also had them in:  soup, quesadillas, green salads, garbanzo salad, salad dressing, stir-fried rice, fried potatoes, quiche, spanikopita, and scrambled eggs.  We've talked about pickling and freezing.  We've also given lots away.  I post this list to help those of you who will get CSA veggie baskets this summer.  Fun, Fun - yet it can be tough (and a little stressful) to eat up all of the goodies, especially when one produce item peaks.  Get creative - it's amazing how many different ways a vegetable can be used! 

Now onto dessert.  Dirty Blonde Brownies (because they're made with whole wheat, get it?).    I'm thinking this photo will make your mouth water.  I know that dessert doesn't (usually) include meat, but I include the recipe below because it's delicious and is made with olive oil and whole wheat.  It could easily be made vegan.   

Dirty Blonde Brownie

The original Blonde Brownie recipe came to us from a friend of the DH's long ago.  Thank you, MG!  We've changed it up to use whole wheat, olive oil, and less sugar. 

Dirty Blonde Brownies (with vegan options)

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 cups packed brown sugar (we often use only 1 cup; adjust based on your preference and the sweetness of the chocolate)

2/3 cup olive oil

2 eggs, beaten (or vegan egg substitute)

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate)

1/3 cup nuts

Mix nuts and chocolate chips together in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  In a third bowl, beat eggs (or prepare vegan replacement).  Add oil, then sugar, then vanilla.  Slowly add about 1/3 of dry ingredients into wet, and then 1/3 of the chocolate/nuts.  Repeat twice.

Spread in a 13x9 inch pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for ~30 minutes.  Cool in pan for about 30 minutes and serve warm.  Try not to make yourself ill by eating half the pan.