black bean brownies (bau da bau) oh!

 Guess I haven't updated this blog IN OVER SIX MONTHS!  My bad, guys.    I feel bad that I've been neglectful but then I look back on the past six months (which have flown by at a neck-breaking pace) and honestly, it's a miracle I even remembered my log-in info in the crazy wonderful chaos that has been my life.

Anyway, how about I make it up to you with chocolatey, fudgey, relatively healthy brownies?!

I learned about the deliciousness that is a black bean brownie after my sister gave them rave reviews a few weeks ago.  My sister passed the recipe onto me after trying them for herself and giving them her stamp of approval.  I trust my sister's taste especially when it comes to sweets because girlfriend knows her sweets.  In my opinion, these brownies do not disappoint but I highly encourage you to try them for yourself. 

Bonus:  It's safe to lick the batter bowl since there are no raw eggs required! 

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients:

*1 box standard brownie mix (I used Betty Crocker's Fudge Brownie Mix, Family Size)

*1 15 oz can of black beans (I like Busch's Lower Sodium Black Beans)
*Water
*Nuts (optional)
*Chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

*Drain and rinse the black beans; put back into the can (rinse can before placing beans back in)

*Add water to can of beans up to the brim

*Use a food processor or, my fave, the Magic Bullet and puree the bean and water mixture.  You cannot over-puree the beans.  You don't want any lumps in the puree especially if you're going to try and pass these off as regular brownies.  A big chunk of bean would really ruin the illusion.

*Beat together in a bowl your black bean puree and the box of dry brownie mix--do not add eggs, do not add oil, do not collect $200, do not pass go.

*Bake as instructed for your pan size and desired thickness according to the box.  I sprinkled chocolate chips on my brownies to try and get my husband warm up to eating them.  It worked :)  He put up a fight but finally gave in...and liked them.

*Cut, cool, and enjoy!

I won't tell you they taste exactly like traditional brownies but you certainly cannot taste the beans.  This recipe makes a deliciously, deceptively fudgey treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without guilting you into 50 extra sit-ups for the day.