Tuesday, January 12, 2010

What's in this?


I love to bake, I love trying new recipes, and I pride myself in adding a "touch of healthy" to the things I make.  I can't count how many times I've said the phrase "Pretty good huh?  You'll never guess what's in it."  But when I heard about this recipe on Dr.Oz I really didn't believe it. Black Bean Brownies.  Seriously???  Never, in a million years would I have thought about putting beans in brownies.  I had to try this recipe.  It's not completely healthy, I'll be honest. There is still almost a cup of sugar in an 8X8 pan but at least it's not all empty calories. The beans add a nice fiber and protein punch so eating one pretty much does the trick, your not as tempted to go back for more. So...were they good?  They really did tasted like brownies.  Jarrod even liked them.  And he was way skeptical.  Needless to say, this recipe will probably be added to my box. 
I learned two things from making this recipe. 1: Do not, I repeat, do not substitute olive oil for canola/vegetable oil in your baking.  Olive oil has a flavor that definitely comes through and is NOT tasty in baked goods. Now, I knew this beforehand but I told myself it wouldn't matter "just this one time."  I don't know why I do this, but I ran out of veg oil and didn't feel like going to the store so talked myself into believing it. I made a second batch, after making a trip to the store  =)  Lesson #2:  A yummy ganache can make almost anything taste good.  I kept the first batch and layered it with a thick coating of homemade ganache.  I had it for breakfast this morning. So here's the recipe.  If you know of any off-the-wall recipes, please pass them on. I'm dying for a new one.


Ingredients:
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • a pinch salt
Preheat oven to 350* F.
Pour drained beans into a blender, set on puree and blend until smooth. Add in the rest of the ingredients and continue blending until evenly mixed.
Pour bean mixture into a greased 8 by 8 pan. Bake in oven for 30 minutes, or until toothpick placed in the center comes out clean.

4 comments:

A Little McD said...

I have a recipe for brownies with pureed spinach in them, and you can't taste it at all, but you have to let them cool first. It's from the Deceptively Delicious cookbook. If you don't have it, you should get it...I think you'd love it!

Anonymous said...

You would love that cookbook. I have not made anything out of it that is not good- and you know I am PICKY! Maybe we need to have a night of only off the wall recipes? Also, I know you have a life outside of Jesa... but not even a photo of her smelling the yummy brownies?!?! Come on Mama! :) Love you 3! <3 Auntie Key

Anonymous said...

While teaching a vegetable unit in Home Ec. I told them they could choose any recipe that had vegetables. We had split pea cake and beet cake, both were good.
Aunt Dana

Jodie said...

you might want to check out joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com Not all of her recipes are good for you but she has some good ones.