Sponsored Post by Moms Meet- Monk Fruit in the Raw

**Disclaimer-I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetsSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Monk Fruit In the Raw

I recently had the opportunity to try out sugar substitute, Monk Fruit In the Raw through Moms Meet bloggers program. I love to bake and while I'm not afraid of using Paula Deen amounts of butter in my confections, I do admit that there is a time and place for more sensible desserts. Especially, at this time of year when there are sweets tempting me around every corner. A little moderation is definitely called for around the holidays!

First off, let's talk about the company, In the Raw, Here is a little more information about the company: "In The Raw is a family-owned business that was established back in 1956 when founder, Marvin Eisenstadt, joined his father’s sugar packing business. Shortly after, Marvin was tasked with finding a less-processed sugar for a local restaurant’s health-conscious customers, and Sugar In The Raw was born. Fast forward to the sweetening revolution of the late 1990’s—when people really caught on to wholesome, zero-calorie alternatives to processed sugar. At that time, you could find a little brown Sugar In The Raw packet in almost every coffee house in America. Since then, the In The Raw product line has grown to include Stevia In The Raw, Agave In The Raw, and it’s latest addition, Monk Fruit In the Raw."

Now, let's talk specifically about Monk Fruit In the Raw. What, exactly, IS Monk Fruit In the Raw?! Well, according to the In the Raw website, Monk Fruit In the Raw is "... made from delicious vine-ripened monk fruit, also called luo han guo. It’s the zero-calorie* sweetener that tastes like sugar. Originally harvested in the 13th century, it’s been making life more delicious for years now..."

Monk Fruit In the Raw

Also, here are "Just the facts" about Monk Fruit In the Raw:

• Monk Fruit In The Raw is a wholesome, zero-calorie sweetener made from real monk fruit, a vine-ripened fruit that is native to Asia.

• Monk fruit, known as luo han guo in Asia, was first harvested in the 13th century by Arhats, or “Enlightened Ones,” which translates to Monks in English.

• The sweet and delicious extract from monk fruit is blended with other sweeteners to create the perfect balance of sweet.

• Monk Fruit In The Raw is naturally vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, and does not contain any added table sugar, sugar alcohols, or molasses.

• Conscious, rejoice! Monk Fruit In The Raw has the closest taste to sugar of any non-caloric sweetener, and has the least amount of aftertaste.

• One pack of Monk Fruit In The Raw is about as sweet as two teaspoons of sugar.

• One box of Monk Fruit In The Raw (40ct packets) retails for $3.49, and the Monk Fruit In The Raw Bakers Bag retails for $6.99. Price may vary based on the retailer.

My Little Helper

For our little experiment, we decided to try out the Best Chewy Brownies found on the In the Raw website. Monk Fruit in the Raw Bakers Bag measures just like regular sugar in your recipes. First off, let me state that this particular recipe DOES include some sugar (half sugar and have Monk Fruit In the Raw). Now, that we have that out of the way, let's talk about the brownie batter- smooth and chocolate-y- everything a brownie batter needs to be! Instead of adding walnuts (as the recipe suggests), I just added the same amount of chocolate chips. I mean, why not?! ;-)

Best Chewy Brownies

I was really surprised to see that the Best Chewy Brownies recipe does NOT include any leavening agent- no baking soda or baking powder. I was concerned about the outcome because of this. I ended up baking the brownies for about 30 minutes and I was rewarded with dark, ooey, gooey, chocolate-y brownies. While the brownies were indeed flat, they were chewy and gooey (definitely needed a fork to eat these brownies!). However, the taste was good- sweet- and no after-taste. Of course, my choco-holic daughter LOVED the Best Chewy Brownies and was asking for seconds before she even finished her brownie. So, I'd say that's a big thumbs up!

Best Chewy Brownies using Monk Fruit In the Raw

Connect with In the Raw:

Website- InTheRaw.com

Facebook- facebook.com/intheraw

Twitter- twitter.com/intherawbrand