Recipe: Sweet Potato Brownies
These aren’t just any old brownies — they are chocolatey, rich, and decadent.
And they contain a “surprise” healthy ingredient: SWEET POTATOES.
Wait, what? Brownies with sweet potatoes?
You bet! They bring a long list of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — and when you combine them with almond butter and raw cacao powder, you're setting yourself up for a nutrient-packed indulgence.
TIP: Don’t tell your picky eaters there are sweet potatoes in them until AFTER they eat one (if you tell them at all!).
Makes 9 servings.
Ingredients:
1 cup (330 g) cooked, cooled, and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium)
½ cup (130 g) almond butter
¼ cup (30 g) raw cacao powder
¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey (adjust based on sweetness preference)
1 egg (for vegan option: flax egg - 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ Tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken)
OPTIONAL: ½ cup (50-70 g) chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20-cm) baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the mashed sweet potato and almond butter until smooth. Add the raw cacao powder, maple syrup or honey, and the egg. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. If using the nuts, gently stir them in now. Sprinkle with optional salt.
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies should be set but still slightly soft in the middle.
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!
These brownies are the perfect blend of gooey and chocolatey with a hint of nuttiness. Plus, they're great for satisfying that sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals.
Happy baking & even happier eating!
Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen
Photo Credit: Canva by AmalliaEka from Getty Images
Move at Work Challenge: Feeling Cramped?
Move at Work Challenge: Quick Break Time Stretch
Recipe: Chia-Quinoa Morning Mix
Normally I share healthy, quick, and easy recipes, and while this one is definitely HEALTHY and EASY — it does take a little prep time (great weekend choice).
Here’s how it works: Prep the mix in advance, and about 20-30 minutes before your next breakfast, scoop out a serving, add liquid, and cook!
Once you master the basic recipe you can experiment by adding different fruits, grains, and spices. I focused on holiday flavors and colors for this version. :)
Makes 12 servings.
Ingredients:
3 cups (240 g) rolled oats
1 cup (180 g) quinoa
1 cup (160 g) dried cranberries or cherries
½ cup (90 g) hemp, flax, or chia seeds (or a combo!)
1 tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice mix!)
¾ tsp sea salt
Optional: maple syrup, Greek yogurt and/or shelled pistachios (as topping)
Directions:
To make the mix, combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT the optional maple syrup, yogurt and/or pistachios, and place in a sealed airtight container.
To prepare 1 serving: In a small saucepan, stir together 10 oz (295 ml) of liquid (water or milk) and ⅓ cup (5½ Tbsp) of the mix.
Bring to a boil over medium-high. Lower the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook until thick, 20-30 minutes. Cover the pan completely and let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon into a serving bowl and add optional toppings and sweetener.
Serve and enjoy!
Tag me at dr_saara_haapanen (on insta) or @saara.haapanen (on fb) if you try this recipe 👩🍳
Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen
Photo Credit: Canva by annastories
Move at Work Challenge: Shoulders for Summer
Move at Work Challenge: Desk Warrior Stretch
Recipe: Cottage Cheese & Berries
I’ve got an updated version of an old-school recipe that is PERFECT for your post-workout snack… or any time you’re craving a salty-sweet snack to fill you up!
It’s packed with protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin D, antioxidants, and, depending on your ingredients, it can even contain probiotics for your gut and immune system.
DRUMROLL… it’s cottage cheese with berries! 🍓
Cottage cheese’s popularity has fallen by the wayside over the years, which is a shame because it actually has a LOT of benefits for you.
Plus, it couldn’t be any simpler!
The key is to start with a good cottage cheese. Here are some tips:
TIP 1: Look for cottage cheese that says “probiotics” and/or “live and active cultures” on the label, for maximum gut benefits.
TIP 2: If possible, choose an organic cottage cheese.
TIP 3: Following a plant-based diet? Choose a plant-based cottage cheese — there are several brands on the market now….I haven’t found an amazing one yet, when I do I will be sure to share.
I miss it oh so much- due to my Hashimotos I’m now dairy free but I used to LOVE cottage cheese!!!
Makes 1 serving.
Ingredients:
½ cup (115 grams) low-fat cottage cheese
½ cup (75 grams) berries of choice: raspberries, sliced strawberries, blueberries, etc.
1 drop of pure vanilla extract
Optional: ½ to 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together and serve.
You can also make up a batch of them ahead of time — simply portion your cottage cheese & berries into reusable containers so they are ready to grab & go.
How easy is that?!
Let me know if you try it.
Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen
Photo Credit: Canva by olvas from Getty Images