Gluten-free Brown Rice Espresso Brownies

2 cups (500 mL) good quality dark chocolate (not Bakers), chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
2 tbsp (30 mL) instant espresso powder, divided
2 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar
1 cup (250 mL) cooked U.S. brown rice
1/4 cup (50 mL) brown rice flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired
1/2 cup (125 mL) chocolate chips for the top, if desired

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Line a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking pan with parchment or foil and lightly oil the bottom. In microwave, melt the dark chocolate, butter and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the espresso powder in a large (microwave safe) measuring cup. Stir together to combine. Set aside.

In bowl, beat the eggs on medium high until frothy. Add the brown sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth. Add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg-sugar mixture a little at a time. Incorporate it slowly and beat well for a good minute. The chocolate will look smooth and glossy.

In a food processor, combine the brown rice, rice flour, espresso powder, salt and baking soda until well combined. Add the rice mixture into the chocolate mixture and beat well for a minute. Add the vanilla, beat one minute.

Fold in the nuts and spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top to even it out. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and remaining nuts. Shake the pan a little to help even out the batter.

Bake in the centre of the oven just until the brownies are set, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Don’t overcook (they should be fudgy rather than dry and crumbly). Cool completely on a wire rack before covering and transferring to refrigerator to chill for at least two hours and up to one day before cutting into squares (they are easier to cut cold).

Makes 24 brownies.

PER (1 piece) SERVING: about 170 cal, 2 g pro, 10 g total fat (6 g sat fat), 22 g carb, 1 g fibre,
30 mg chol, 30 mg sodium. %RDI: iron 4%,calcium 0%, vit A 2%, vit C 0%

Recipe and image courtesy of the USA Rice Federation. For more recipe ideas, visit www.riceinfo.com.

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Dairy-less Fig and Raspberry Rice Pudding
Winter Sparkles Fruit Pie
Snowflake Chocolate and Pecan Pie
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