Better Brownies

   

picture from here

 Black Bean Brownies    

adapted from the Whole Foods Market

     1 19 oz (540 mL) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)     

     

Preheat oven to 350°F.

     Place the black beans, sugar, eggs, melted butter, cocoa, vanilla and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth, pulsing and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the beans are completely pureed. Remove the blade and gently stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour into an 8″x8″ pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until slightly puffed and set. Cool before cutting into squares. Can double for a 9x13 pan. 

Don't be alarmed that this brownies contain extra protein in the form of black beans.  They are really amazingly good brownies--my kids love them, my husband loves them and so do I--and I am particular about my desserts! You have to try them to really believe how good they are.  On top of that they are completely flourless and if you want to go above and beyond you could make the recipe dairy free by substituting oil for the butter..but personally I love the flavor of butter.