Rich Chocolate Chewy Brownies

Who doesn’t love a rich chocolate brownie?? But notice how we always feel so guilty after? Now you can enjoy the brownie, hey even two, without the guilt! This recipe contains 3 variations: (1) plain, (2) crunchy, (3) walnuts and coconut dressed.

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed (removes some sodium)
• ½ c cocoa powder
• 3 egg whites
• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour
• ¾ c agave
• 1 tbsp smart balance
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• **optional- ¼ c walnuts, ¼ c shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 x 8 baking pan with smart balance.
2. In a food processor combine beans, cocoa powder, egg whites, and whole wheat flour. Blend for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add agave, smart balance, vanilla, and (variation 2 add walnuts and coconut now). Blend 2 minutes.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish (variation 3 top brownie mix with walnuts and coconut). Bake for 10 minutes, rotate, and bake an additional 10 minutes, rotate, finish for 5-8 minutes (until fully cooked).
5. Remove from oven, allow cool, place in fridge for approximately 2-3 hours or until brownies are set. Cut into bars.