Chocolate Beet Brownies

• 1/2 cup butter (or 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup applesauce)
• 4 oz baking cocoa (unsweetened)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-1/2 cup unbleached white flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup cooked beets, mashed; or 1 15 oz can beets packed in water, drained and mashed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds or walnuts
• 1/2 cup wheat germ

1. Melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Set aside to cool.

2. In separate bowl, beat eggs until light in color and foamy. Add sugar and vanilla and continue beating until well creamed. Stir in chocolate mixture, followed by applesauce and beets.

3. Sift together flour, salt, spices and baking powder and stir into creamed mixture. Fold in wheat germ and almonds. Turn into greased 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool before cutting into squares.