Sunday, January 27, 2013

Bean Good Fudgey Brownies

One of my New Year's resolutions was to become a better blogger. "Better" means not waiting a year between posts! "Better" means working fewer hours so I have more time for blogging.  "Better" means sharing the many fun recipes that I have been trying in the hope that I will inspire others to try these dishes. 

With that intro.... I'd like to share an interesting dessert that I made today. This one is in keeping with my other New Year's resolution, which is to eat healthier (bet you never heard that one before, huh?)  As a chocoholic, I am always looking for ways to lessen the carbs, reduce the sugar and/or fat in desserts. This recipe does that and also packs a protein punch; plus, they are gluten free.

My "Bean Good Fudgey Brownies" have a "secret" ingredient in them. I guess as soon as you read the first ingredient in the recipe, the secret will be out!  Now, when you make these for your family, friends, and co-workers, you can keep the ingredient a secret or see if they can guess what it is. My husband just tasted them and said, "Mmmmm, I like them!" (I think I'll keep the ingredient a secret).

Bean Good Fudgey Brownies (Makes 16)

Ingredients


  • 1 can (16 oz) Black Beans (you can also use Garbanzo Beans or Navy Beans)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (you can also use agave nectar or honey)
  • 3 Tbsp natural peanut butter
  • ¼ cup  light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup oat bran 
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 4 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 ripe banana
  • ¼ cup Egg Beaters (or 1 egg)
  • ¼ cup Chocolate Chips or Carob Chips (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350oF. Lightly coat 8×8 pan with PAM® cooking spray.
  2. Rinse beans in water and drain. 
  3. Blend garbanzo beans, maple syrup, and peanut butter in a food processor until smooth. 
  4. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth. 
  5. Stir in ¼ cup chocolate or carob chips (if using). 
  6. Spread batter in pan and bake for 25-27 minutes. 
  7. Cool slightly and then cut into squares. 
Enjoy these as is or sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar, drizzle with chocolate sauce and/or top with a scoop of ice cream! Let me know how you like them and remember, never follow a recipe exactly...