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Brownies with Black Beans


I kept hearing people talk about brownies with black beans. Unfortunately, no ome could give me a recipe or had actually tasted them! So I started looking around for ideas or recipes. I came across a funny conversation on a Weight Watcher discussion page and came up with a simple idea to try.

I liked the results a lot. I got a really moist brownie that was really chocolaty. I decided to take them to a party (they were a huge hit) but I dressed them up a little bit. Here's what I did:

CHOCOLATE BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

1 box brownie mix
1 15 oz can black beans (NOT drained)
3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee

Blend the beans (and the liquid), instant coffee, and cocoa in a blender until smooth.
Empty the contents of your mix into a bowl.
Add the bean mixture and mix by hand until smooth.
Bake as directed on the package.

Mine, cut into 24 pieces, were 1 point each. This will vary depending on the mix you use and the beans. You'll have to do the math.



To dress them up for a party I did this (this is going to add about 1 to 1/2 point per brwonie):

Mint Brownie Topping

Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine, softened
1 tablespoon crème de menthe or 1/4 teaspoon mint extract

Glaze:
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine

To prepare icing, combine powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, and liqueur. Beat with a mixer (or with a whisk) at medium speed until smooth. Spread the icing evenly over brownie layer; refrigerate 30 minutes or until icing is set.

To prepare glaze, place chocolate in a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave at high for 45 seconds; stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Microwave at high for 20 seconds. Stir until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over icing; refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the glaze is set.

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