Peanut Butter (Black Bean) Brownies

Remember a few days ago when I was gushing about the beautiful Dallas weather? Well, I take all of that back. Today is freezing! Literally, it’s been about 20 degrees (feels like 3 all day). The airport closed. People didn’t go to work. It’s like the end of the world. The ground is essentially solid ice, so driving is basically out of the question.

What’s a girl to do when “iced” in? Well, first I actually did get to the gym. I was supposed to run 3 miles today but when I got to the gym, someone was on the treadmill and of course, the other one didn’t work. So, I jumped on the elliptical (which I haven’t used in years. My feet always fall asleep when I use it…does this happen to anyone else?). I set it on level 10 for 30 minutes and it was definitely a good challenge.

According to a calorie burning calculator online, I burned around 280 calories. I’ll assume it was less than that. After my elliptical run, I did the plank 3 times holding for 1 minute each. Then it was back home to the warmth of my apartment (actually it’s not that warm…we have ice on the insides of our windows!).

To warm up, I decided to bake some brownies. Not just any brownies though, black bean brownies! It sounds a little strange and maybe even disgusting…but I’m telling you, you can’t taste the beans at all! I wanted to shake things up even more by adding some peanut butter, chunky peanut butter! Here are the ingredients:

Peanut Butter (Black Bean) Brownies

• 1 15oz. can black beans- drained and rinsed
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp of olive oil
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup of peanut butter- I used Crunch Time peanut butter from Peanut Butter Co. It’s amazing.
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

First, I rinsed and drained the black beans. Then, I poured the black beans into the food processor and pulsed it until it was a creamy consistency (basically until all the beans were mashed).

Next, I poured all the ingredients into the food processor except the peanut butter and chocolate chips. I was a little unsure about this after blending the beans. They just reminded me a little too much of cat food. After adding the rest of the ingredients though, it smelled exactly like brownie batter!

Finally, we were getting somewhere! Next, I measured out the peanut butter and microwaved it for about 30 seconds, just so it was easier to pour.

I poured just a little brownie batter into the pan (greased); enough to cover the bottom. Next, I poured the peanut butter onto the batter, then the rest of the brownie batter.

Finally, I sprinkled the chocolate chips over the top then stuck it in the oven! I baked it at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

In order to tell if it was done, I stuck a toothpick down the center. When it comes out clean (no gooey brownie batter on it), then it’s done!

These turned out really good! There was zero taste of black beans too.

The peanut butter gives it a nice crunch!

If you have a sweet tooth, I would definitely recommend this recipe it was great!

By the way, could you tell which pictures were taken in my new light box? I think it’s pretty obvious….

Here’s a regular kitchen light picture:

Versus light box:

So, my light box is definitely NOT traditional. I’m basically using an indoor garden tent (pretty sure most people use it to grow pot..I swear we don’t). We used it in Chicago to start our garden during the winter, before moving it outside in springtime.

I think it works pretty well as a light box! I’m going to play around with it a little more…

Another good day in the Big D! A little chilly….but perfect brownie weather! Have a great night all!