Black Bean Brownies

Yup! You read that right! I recently attended a training workshop on implementing and promoting healthier foods in highschools.  I completely support this endeavour and was pumped to try out some new healthier recipes from Bake It Up, a resource prepared by the Ontario Public Health Association.  While at the training I had the opportunity to sample a few recipes including Black Bean Brownies.  Sounds nasty, right? Think again! I decided that this would be a great experimental recipe to make with my Nutrition students.  They were disgusted when they read the recipe but I was happy to see that most actually sampled and enjoyed the brownies! Success!  The follow recipe is from Bake It Up.

 
Ingredients
1 can black beans, rinsed, drained and MASHED (do this BEFORE mixing with anything else!)
¾ cup whole-wheat flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoons salt

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

3 tablespoons canola oil

2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square metal baking pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch (5 cm) overhang at opposite ends. Lightly spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine beans, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. With a wooden spoon, beat in eggs, sugar, applesauce, oil and vanilla until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until just a few moist crumbs cling to a tester inserted in the centre. Do not over-bake. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Using foil overhangs as handles, remove from pan and transfer brownies to a cutting board. Cut into squares.