Black Bean Brownies

Before you start gagging because of the name, let me assure you: I'm not a fan of beans, but these are good. Trust me. Even the dough is good (not that I, ahem, sampled any...). And it is super easy to make! Don't believe me? Try it for yourself!

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INGREDIENTS:

- 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 spotted bananas
- 1/3 cup agave nectar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/4 cup raw sugar (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 1/4 cup instant oats


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Grease a standard 8x8 square pan and set aside

3. Combine all ingredients except oats in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, stopping and scraping the sides as needed

4. Stir in oats and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
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VARIATIONS:

Dark Chocolate Brownies
--> Add another 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa

Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies
--> Omit cinnamon and add a few drops of mint extract

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies
--> Add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper

Mocha Fudge Brownies
--> Add 2-3 tsp of instant coffee granules


From my new favorite cookbook! The Happy Herbivore by Lindsay S. Nixon (page 209)
**The little elephant is so cute!!