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 350^oF. 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...