Lettuce Be Healthy and Happy: My Favorite Chocolatey Brownies

Calling all my chocolate addicts! I have THE BEST brownie recipe for you.

Brownies are delicious. That's no secret. Especially during the holidays there's nothing better than having hot gooey brownies to devour for dessert! For this year's christmas and christmas eve you can make brownies for you and your family, but make them a lot healthier with this recipe! No flour, no eggs, no gluten, no dairy, no preservatives, no hydrogenated oils- nada! Just healthy ingredients disguised in a chocolatey heaven!

I made these brownies for a family get together this weekend and they were an absolute hit! My sister Dana, who is the pickiest eater and my biggest critic, absolutely loved them. This was a big deal! Dana never likes anything outside her box so if she says they're good, they must be!!! I'm pretty sure she even went back for seconds and thirds! (sorry Dana they know your weakness!)

This recipe uses coconut oil and coconut sugar to replace any refined oils or white sugars like in other brownie recipes. Coconut sugar has more vitamins and minerals than any other type of sugar, it's completely unrefined, and is a low glycemic sugar that has a minimal effect on blood sugar.

These brownies also use a special ingredient: black beans. But let me let you in on a little secret, if you didn't know they were in there you would NEVER KNOW!

Dana's initial reaction: omg ew. beans in brownies? That's so gross.

Dana's reaction after getting her to try them: Okay you're right. You can't even tell the difference.

What you will need:

1.5 cans/cups of black beans, drained and rinsed very well

1/4 cup agave nectar, coconut nectar or maple syrup

4 tbsp coconut oil or sunflower oil

3/4 cup of dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup quick oats, rolled oats or oat flour (i use gluten-free)

2 tbsp raw cacao powder

2 tbsp coconut palm sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp fine himalayan sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Grease a 6"X6" or 7"X7" square baking dish. I use coconut cooking spray
In a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and process until completely smooth.
Place mixture into a bowl and fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into the pan and spread evenly with a spatula or knife.
Place in the oven for 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven.
Cool for at least 10 minutes. Also, try to cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour for more texture (these even taste great cold!)
Option to add dark chocolate chips to top of brownies
Seve alone cold or warm, or a little warm with your choice of ice cream to make it a brownie a la mode!