BLACK BEAN BROWNIES -- NO Flour and NO Eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8" square pan with parchment paper, and have 2 sides with the paper hanging over slightly, so you can easily lift the brownies out later.
(**If you want to make this VEGAN, just use Dairy Free chocolate chips instead of regular ones**)
INGREDIENTS:
1 15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed VERY well, several times.
2 TBSPs (tablespoons) of cocoa powder
1/2 cup of Quick Cooking Oats
1/4 tsp (teaspoon) salt
1/2 tsp (teaspoon) baking powder
1/4 cup of coconut oil or vegetable oil
1/3 cup of pure maple syrup
2 TBSP (talespoons) of sugar (OR...OMIT sugar and INCREASE maple syrup to 1/2 cup) (I've made them both ways...both delicious!)
2 tsp (teaspoons) of vanilla extract
1/2 - 1/3 cup chocolate chips
OPTIONAL: extra chocolate chips for sprinkling on top of batter before baking
Combine ALL ingredients
EXCEPT choc chips in a good FOOD PROCESSOR, and process on HIGH until completely smooth. Really process well, about 8 minutes. Stop half-way through at 4 minutes and stir the mixture, and then finish processing for the final 4 minutes. (**A good, strong blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture and even the taste will be much better in a food processor**). Stir in the chocolate chips with a spoon, and then pour brownie mixture into the 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper. OPTIONAL: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top (I always do this!!). Bake for 15 - 18 minutes (mine are always done after 15 minutes), and cool pan on wire rack for at least 20 minutes before trying to cut. Lift parchment paper with brownie mix out of pan and place on counter, and slice brownies while they are still on the parchment paper. Lift pieces with spatula and place in container. Don't worry if you think they look undercooked. After placing them in the fridge overnight, they will magically firm up just right! Depending on the size of brownie you like, you can get 9 - 16 brownies (I cut mine into 16 pieces). Try a piece warm, and then refrigerate the rest and enjoy!!