Vegan Fudge Brownies

This is a PSA for all you procrastinators out there: VALENTINE'S DAY IS THIS WEEK. Okay, now that we've established that I have to be honest and say my husband and I never really have been huge celebrators of valentines day. When we first started dating we did some of the classic flowers and gifts, but honestly, we both find gift giving stressful and realized that's not really how we like to show or receive love from each other. So we typically opt to do something together instead. Whether that is just going out to dinner, making chocolate covered strawberries together, or going to see a movie, we'd rather just spend time together.

Now as far as showing love goes - another way I like to show my love for people is preparing food for them. Making food is my passion and I love making delicious, nurishing food for people. Baking for me, well that is food for the soul. So, of course on a holiday all about love - you know I'll be whipping up something in the kitchen.

So for Valentines day - my mind immediately goes to chocolate, and what better chocolate recipe than brownies. THESE BROWNIES GUYS. Super rich, moist, and with that perfect shiny crust on the top!

VEGAN FUDGE BROWNIES

- 4 tsp Bob's red mill egg replacer + 12 tsp water

- 1 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch Processed)

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1 tsp espresso powder

- 1 tbsp vanilla extract

- 1 cup vegan butter (Earth balance)

- 2 1/4 cups sugar

- 1 1/2 cups flour

- 2 cups chocolate chips (vegan)

Grease a 9"x13" metal baking pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine egg replacer with water, set aside until it thickens.

In a large mixing bowl, add cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, espresso powder, and vanilla with the egg replacer and mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Add water if necessary, 1 tbsp at a time, until mixture reaches a very sticky wet consistency.

Meanwhile, combine the butter and sugar in a small saucepan and place on your stovetop at a low to medium heat. Heat until butter melts and sugar begins to dissolve. Sugar should be partially dissolved but the mixture should not be boiling.

Add sugar/butter mixture to the cocoa mixture and mix on medium speed for about 1 minute or until completely combined. Add the flour and chocolate chips and mix until smooth. Mixture will be very sticky and moist, but not runny.

Soon batter into the greased pan and place in the preheated oven and bake for around 30 minutes, or until tester comes out clean.

I'd love to hear if you try out this recipe!