Black Bean Brownies

Black Bean Brownies
This recipe comes from a book I publish under another pen name which is a compilation of my favorite recipes adapted to use healthy ingredients. The book is Healing Desserts by Lee Anne Dobbins (you can get it for your kindle too!)

I first heard about the recipe at a Pampered Chef party and came up with my own version below. At first I couldn’t believe that brownies made from beans could taste good, but they do! They are also healthy for you – the beans add a ton of healthy antioxidants and nutrients as well as fiber. I use agave nectar instead of sugar because it is healthier but if you can’t find agave, you can just use the same amount of sugar.

Ingredients:
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cocoa powder (with over 70% cocoa if you
can find it)
3 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil for a
healthier alternative)
3/4 cup agave nectar (or sugar if you don’t have
agave)
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine beans, cocoa, eggs, oil, agave (or sugar), salt, vanilla and coffee in a food processor and process until smooth.
Pour mixture into a greased 8 x 8 pan.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top (if desired).
Bake for 30 minutes until the edges start to pull away from the pan.