Black Bean Brownies

                                                               Black Bean Brownies

You're probably wondering if I meant to title this delicious dessert with brownie and bean in the same title?  Well, yes, yes I did!  I know you're thinking that this sounds like quite an interesting combination, but Tom and I would argue that this combination ended up being absolutely one of our favorite desserts.  The brownies were dense and rich, but not too sweet.  One piece left you satisfied and also wanting more for the next time! In addition to its tastiness, these brownies are easy to make! The only modification we made to the recipe below is that we used a bar of semi-sweet chocolate chunks to put on the top of the brownies and the recipe calls for chocolate chips. We came across this recipe last week when we were craving something sweet but something that wouldn't be too high in calories or in fat. Now, don't get me wrong- these are not diet brownies!  They definitely have sugar and other unhealthy things, but the recipe did come from January's edition of Healthy Cooking, so it is a healthier version of your 'run-of-the-mill' brownies.  You will not be disappointed if you try these.  They are so yummy, and most of the ingredients, if not all, will be found in your pantry.  You  might even find yourself making them on a spontaneous craving for some chocolate one evening.  Go ahead and indulge yourself- it's "healthier" than some other desserts for sure!  (I didn't want to admit this, but I did serve my brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Tom fought the urge to do this and seemed equally as satisfied, but anyone who knows me knows I need my ice cream, haha.)

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 eggs
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

• Place the beans, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and oil in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Add the eggs, brown sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder and salt; cover and process until smooth.
• Transfer to a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 1 dozen.

Nutritional Facts1 brownie equals 167 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 53 mg cholesterol, 131 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.