Avocado & Black Bean Brownies

       OH.MY.GOD. The most exciting thing to a foodie has happened. My life might never be the same again.I have found a dessert that is both succulent & healthy. One might say this dessert is "deceptively delicious." And I can take absolutely no credit for it.
       One of my favourite cooking blogs is Branny Boils Over. She is hilarious, witty, and most importantly, the recipes are phenomenal. And when she posted the avocado & black bean brownies, I almost lost all respect for her. What self-proclaimed foodie would destroy the goodness that is brownies by taking away the flour & butter and replacing it with black beans and avocado? Well folks, I stand humbled. I made the brownies. I peered in the oven every few minutes. I agonized and waited an entire day, like she says, to eat them. And then I just about died with happiness. 
    The calorie content is about 1/3 of a regular brownie. There is enough fiber to make an All-Bran bar quiver. And it tastes - like a fudgey, chocolatey brownie. If you don't believe me, thats perfectly fine. Because I don't want there to suddenly be a shortage of black beans at the grocery store.
     So friends, make the brownies. Wait a day. And then enjoy :)

Ingredients:
1 (19 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup egg whites ( I just used regular eggs)

1/4 cup agave syrup or honey
1 small ripe avocado
6 tbsp cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tbsp white sugar (75gm)
2 teaspoons instant espresso (I omitted)

Fresh raspberries or strawberries for serving


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8″ pan with parchment paper.

Combine black beans, egg whites, agave syrup, and avocado in food processor. Blend for a few minutes, until completely smooth. Add remaining ingredients and continue blending until fully combined. 


Spread into parchment-lined baking dish. Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the brownies comes out clean.  These are best if you let them sit overnight & serve with fresh fruit & a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Source: Adapted from Branny Boils Over, who adapted her recipe from Cara's Cravings. I strongly encourage you to check out both of their websites!