Two layer Lactation Brownies!

These double layer brownies are so yummy! Even if you aren't nursing, they are healthy, gooey and oh so good! I baked a batch of these for Amy and her house guests tried them......loved! Amy attests to the effectiveness of these delicious brownies!


Consume a minimum of 1,800 calories a day and drink at least 6 glasses of fluids while you are lactating. If you're currently dieting, it could be decreasing your milk production. Unsurprisingly, what you eat has a big impact on the quality and quantity of the milk produced.



Layered ooey goey Lactation Brownies!


Oatmeal Layer: 
2 1/2 c. Red Mill Rolled Hot Cereal whole grain with flax meal or 2 1/2 cups steel cut oats and 2 tsp flax meal
1/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. almond flour (all purpose flour works too)
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) of unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brewers yeast
1 tsp salt
Add all of the dry ingredients to a food processor. Pulse while streaming in the melted butter until it reaches a crumbly consistency. 

Press entire mixture into the bottom of a well-greased, 9x13 baking pan. 
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. 


Brownie Layer 

3/4 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 c. almond meal ( all purpose flour can be substituted)
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ( I use Pernigotti available at William Sonoma or Amazon)
2 tbsp brewers yeast
2 tbsp flax meal
2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter
11 oz bittersweet chocolate (I use Guittard, Callebaut or Schraffenberger)
1 1/2 c white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
5 eggs - must be room temperature, whipped with whisk or fork
2 tsp vanilla extract
Toasted slivered almonds

Combine the flour, salt, cocoa powder, brewers yeast and flax meal and set side. 

In this picture see the cooked 1st layer, the melted chocolate and addition of sugar.

In a double boiler, melt the butter and the chocolate together until smooth. Add all of the sugar and incorporate well. Remove from heat and let it come to room temperature (you just don't want it so hot that it will cook the eggs). Add the eggs slowly and whisk into the mixture in intervals. Add the vanilla.

Carefully fold the dry ingredients in until just barely incorporated (don't over mix). 
 
Pour over the oatmeal layer and bake for 35-40 minutes in a conventional oven, turning half way through. Bake 20-25 minutes in a convection oven, no turning. Remove when a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out with crumbs, but not wet. 

*almonds are also lactogenic so I implemented almond flour in both layers and sprinkled sliced almonds on top.

More Lactation Recipes

Lactating Pumpkin Spice Muffins with cream cheese frosting -Amazing!!

Lactating Chocolate Chip Cookies

Banana Chocolate Chip Lactation Muffins 

Other Foods known to increase milk supply-

Fennel Seeds: Studies have found that fennel seeds increase milk supply. Some doctors also say that fennel seeds help prevent colic in your baby. Fennel is made into a tea helps constipation. They are rich in vitamin C, they are a good mouth freshener and aid digestion. Fennel seeds can be added to vegetables, desserts and made into a tea. For tea just use a teaspoon full in a cup of hot water, allow to steep and drink, if you can chew the seeds as well.

Almonds, cashews, oatmeal, carrots, green papaya, sesame seeds, red lentils, garlic, ginger root, Cumin seeds and good old H20. You should drink 10-12 glasses of water per day.

Oils and butter- Certain fats from oils and butter are healthy. Oils like olive oil, flaxseed oil and sesame oil are healthier and are believed to aid breastfeeding. Butter, coconut oil and ghee, when consumed in moderation, can boost energy. Use them to cook or just drizzle some over your salads. 

Try to get as much rest as possible. If your body is tired it won't have the energy to produce milk properly. Catch up on your sleep during the day, if you are up a lot at night.

Try to relax- getting used to your new life as a mommy can be stressful at times. Stress is known to affect the let down reflex that secretes milk and even milk production. So for your sake and your babies, try to relax. Ask for help from family members with cleaning and cooking or if possible hire help.

Consult your doctor about using prescription or herbal supplements to increase breast milk. Herbs that work well include fenugreek, blessed thistle and red raspberry.  

We are enjoying the last few days here in Cottage 4 at Jamaica Inn. We so love it here, our three weeks goes much to quickly. We miss our Jamaica family and friends, but, look forward to coming back every year. The photo below taken from our veranda in the early morning. The water is so clear, you can see the sting rays and other colorful fish swimming, it is so relaxing...........