Black Bean Brownies

I know, it sounds kind of strange.  Brownies and black beans?  However, I decided that since I was going to be opening a can of beans for my other recipe, this was the time to try this one out.  I swear that you can't taste the black beans at all.  The good thing about the black beans is that they add a bit more fiber and protein to your brownies so you can pretend that you're eating a healthy treat.  My only complaint with the way these turned out is that the brownies are more cake-like than fudge-like.  This is actually a Weight Watchers recipe- 4 points per brownie.  So here goes!

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 1/2 c. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 c. strong black coffee
• 1/2 c. unsalted butter
• 4 oz. (about 1/2 c.) chocolate- the original called for bittersweet but I used semi-sweet chips
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1 c. all-purpose flour 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend beans and coffee until smooth.  Set aside.
3. Melt chocolate and butter together over very low heat.  Stir often.
4. Meanwhile, use an electric mixer to beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.  With mixer on low speed add in melted chocolate/butter.  Incorporate completely.
5. Add black bean/coffee mix, vanilla and salt to bowl and combine on low speed. Mix well. 
6. Add flour to bowl and combine on low speed.
7. Pour into prepared pan.  Bake until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 20-30 minutes.  Let cool for at least 20 minutes on a cooling rack.  Cut into 24 pieces and serve.

kind of looks like it's just floating there, doesn't it?

I will say this, I haven't had one of these cooled completely but they were delicious warm.  You could always add nuts or other spices to the mix to customize it.  Just keep in mind that if you add nuts, this will change the WW point value.  Enjoy!