8.12.2009

UHF: Bean Brownies

Riddle me this, what is even weirder that putting spinach in your smoothies? Beans in your brownies! I first saw this recipe a couple months ago but it was too out there, even for a undercover hippie like me. But I've never been able to find a homemade brownie recipe I really liked so when I recently made a big batch of black beans to freeze, I figured I would give it a try. What's the worst that could happen? And to my surprise, I liked them. You should try it, you might like it too!

1.5 cups black beans (or 1 15oz can, drained)
3 eggs
3 Tablespoons oil/melted butter
1/4 c cocoa powder
pinch salt
2 tsp vanilla
3/4 c sweetener (I've used both white sugar and honey with good results)
1/2 tsp baking powder (optional, will be more cake-like with it, more fudge like without)

Dump in a blender and blend till smooth - don't leave any bean chunks. Pour into a greased 9x9 pan and bake at 350 for ~30 minutes or until top changes from glossy to matte. Do this secretly if you want to serve to husband/kids, do out in the open if you want to enjoy the whole pan yourself:-)

When warm, they are more brownie/cake like. Refrigerate the leftovers though and they become this combination brownie/fudge - delish! I made my first batch with an unrefined coconut oil so they tasted like a Mounds bar. The second batch I used melted butter (you could also use vegetable oil, except don't, that stuff is not good) and tried adding baking soda. It was good too. I've seen versions of this with honey and agave nectar replacing the sugar and even a vegan version that used applesauce and a banana to sweeten. I'm going to keep trying to see exactly how healthy I can make this.

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