Black Bean Brownies: So Good They're Practically a Vegetable!

Introducing our friend, Dr. Jana Vanderslice as the baker and barista in the cafe today!

Black Bean Brownies-

Brownies So Good for You, They’re Practically a Vegetable!

OK, I know what you are thinking…

“Black Bean Brownies???”

“That must be one of those Trendy, Gluten Free,

California Hippy recipes!”

And well, it is gluten free, but it is All American Chocolate Deliciousness!

I may or may not have had these for breakfast. (They are full of protein & fiber!)

I will neither confirm nor deny that I have had them instead of a vegetable for a meal. And that could have happened for both lunch and dinner two days in a row.

Yes, they are That Good!!

You just have to try them! It will only cost you a $1 can of black beans. You’ve got nothing to lose! And go ahead and buy 2 cans of black beans because you will want to make these more than once!

But before we begin, I know yall are all longing for the token Texas Girl pic out in the pasture with the cows!

I’m the fifth generation of my family to live on the Circle B Ranch in Beautiful East Texas!

Our brand was first used by my great, great grandfather Obadiah Belcher (the Circle is for the “O” in Obadiah, & the “B” is for Belcher.) My grandfather, Oveal Belcher (“O” & “B” again), actually burned this brand into the barn wall. Here we are in one of my favorite places growing up- right by his side!

God out did Himself when He created this land! This is sunrise from my front porch!

“If I had no voice, if I had no tongue,

I would Dance for You like the Rising Sun!

And when that day comes and I see Your Face,

I will shout Your Endless, Glorious Praise!”

(“YouAre” by Colton Dixon)

This is my backyard… well part of the backyard! This is a huge ranch. I’ve got quite a big back yard!

And Yes, it does snow in Texas!

So now let’s get down to business and cook your New Favorite Recipe! Black Bean Brownies!!!

Ingredients:

¼ cup of oats

1 can of black beans (drained & rinsed)

½ cup chocolate chips (or a little more J)

3 tablespoons of canola oil

3 eggs

1 cup regular sugar (OR ½ cup of brown sugar & ½ cup of regular sugar)

½ cup cocoa powder

3 teaspoons vanilla

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

And now… One bowl & three easy steps!!

Step 1:

Place the oatmeal in the food processor and blend until it is as close to a flour consistency as you can get.

Step 2:

Place the beans, 1/4 cup chocolate chips (or a little more J) and oil in the food processor. Cover and process until blended.

*Hint-This is a Jana Sized ¼ cup of chocolate chips! Splurge and go with “a little more” than ¼ a cup of chocolate chips!

Step 3:

Add the eggs, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cover and process until mixed.

                                                      

*Hint- Use the empty can as your spoon rest and your trash can.

*Hint- Baking soda takes the gas out of beans. When you cook a pot of beans, always add baking soda or even Dr. Pepper or Pepsi. Your family will thank you! J

Well actually, I guess there is a Step 4:

Pour into a sprayed 9” square pan. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of chocolate chips (or a little more J). Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

*Hint- I also like to use the mini loaf pans or cupcake tins. Decrease the cooking time if you use smaller pans.

What’s wrong with this picture???

I got so excited about baking the Black Bean Brownies that I forgot to add the chocolate chips on top! I usually add other stuff, too.

*Hint-Personalize your brownies by sprinkling different candies on top in the last few minutes of cooking. Ex: Green and Gold M&M’s for Baylor Bears Football, candy corn for Fall, Ande’s mint chocolate bits for Christmas, red sprinkles for Valentine’s day, or drizzle melted white chocolate bark for zebra brownies, etc.
#Reach4theStars! (Seekerville theme 2016!)

 #NoLimits! (Seekerville theme 2015!!!)

And Now for the Hard Part… gasp and hold your breath… rinsing out the food processor and putting it in the dish washer. Yes Ladies, it will take you 2-3 minutes. Yes, it’s a teeny, tiny hassle. But YES it is Absolutely Worth it! Don’t chunk this recipe because of a 2 minute clean up! Cowgirl Up! Get your Betty Crocker on and Just Do It!!! Sing a Jesus song, rinse, repeat. It will be done before you know it!

Parting Words on this Glorious Chocolate Wonder…

When I find something that I can eat (even a few bites), that is Chocolate (HELLO!!!!!), and Good for me (did I mention the 5gm of protein & 4gm of fiber?)…

Well, let’s just say the Angels Sing, my Girls come over, and it’s a P-A-R-T-Y!!!

YeeHaw!!! (Ok, I don’t say YeeHaw in real life, but it just sort of fits here don’t you think?)

 And here's an easy-to-print version!!!!
                                                      

Black Bean Brownies-

Brownies So Good for You, They’re Practically a Vegetable!

 Dr. Jana Vanderslice

Ingredients:

¼ cup of oats

1 can of black beans (drained & rinsed)

½ cup chocolate chips (or a little more J)

3 tablespoons of canola oil

3 eggs

1 cup regular sugar (OR ½ cup of brown sugar & ½ cup regular sugar)

½ cup cocoa powder

3 teaspoons vanilla

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

Step 1:

Place the oatmeal in the food processor and blend until it is as close to a flour consistency as you can get.

Step 2:

Place the beans, 1/4 cup chocolate chips (or a little more J) and oil in the food processor. Cover and process until blended.

*Hint- Splurge & go with “a little more” than ¼ a cup of chocolate chips!

Step 3:

Add the eggs, brown sugar, regular sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cover and process until mixed.

*Hint- Baking soda takes the gas out of beans. When you cook a pot of beans, always add baking soda or even Dr. Pepper or Pepsi. Your family will thank you! J

Step 4:

Pour into a sprayed 9” square pan. Sprinkle with ¼ cup chocolate chips. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

*Hint- I also like to use the mini loaf pans or cupcake tins. Decrease the cooking time if you use smaller pans.

*Hint-Personalize your brownies by sprinkling different candies on top in the last few minutes of cooking. Ex: Green and Gold M&M’s for Baylor Bears Football, candy corn for Fall, Ande’s mint chocolate bits for Christmas, red sprinkles for Valentine’s day, or drizzle melted white chocolate bark for zebra brownies, etc. 

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