Guest Project -- Decadent & Delicious Brownies!!

If you are looking for a dense, fudgy, slightly chewy, decadent brownie that will cover the pallet of your mouth with a smooth, rich, chocolaty taste - THESE ARE THE BROWNIES TO MAKE.

Black Bean and Avocado Brownies

(yes, as an extra they happen to be sugar, and gluten free)

4 oz unsweetened chocolate (like Bakers brand)

1/2 c butter

1/4 c coconut oil

1 c almonds

2 c cooked black beans

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp coarse sea salt

3/4 c agave nectar

1/2 c warm water*

1 Tbsp chia seeds*

1 Tbsp NuStevia powdered stevia*

1/4 c instant espresso or natural coffee alternative.

4 eggs

1/2 large or 1 small avocado

First off put your chia seeds and stevia in the 1/2 cup of warm water. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes. The seeds can hold 10x their weight and will thicken up the water. The benefit of chia seeds are AMAZING and can be found here. (* If you do not have access to chia seeds and can't make this mixture just skip it and increase your coconut oil with an additional 1/4 c and add an additional 1/2 c agave nectar)

Melt butter/oil in a glass dish with your chocolate. Microwave in one minute intervals and stir till just melted.

Place the beans, almonds, vanilla extract, and a couple of spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture into a food processor. Blend till smooth. Dump in mixer.

(I'm just going to make this easy since that is how I bake. I am sure some culinary baker is flinching when I tell you I just dump everything into a mixer. If this really bothers you please feel free to seporate your powders and your liquids before combining in the mixer.)

Next I add the rest of the chocolate, coffee or coffee substitute, chai/stevia mixture, eggs and salt.

Stir till well blended and it's creamy looking. Pour into a greased 11x9" baking pan. Bake at 325 F for 35 minutes or till set.

COOL COMPLETELY before cutting or better yet but these in the refrigerator. They taste best after they sit for a while and cut so much nicer. If you want a warm brownie I suggest just microwaving your individual piece.

ENJOY!!!

Guess what else - kids love them. I'd say that sums it all up right there! (I have picky kids) At least when you eat five of them you won't feel guilty because you're just eating your beans and vegetables. (-:

If you have any questions or comments PLEASE leave one. I am happy to help in any way. A lot of the ingredients I list can be purchased at your health food section in a regular grocery store or on line. My favorite online store is iherb. They have the best prices and free ground shipping with a $40.00 order. Plus enter code ESE794 for $5.00 off your order. (I'm very thrifty so believe me I'm giving you the best on line site I know!)

Thanks Selina!!!

And who would have ever thought???

They look delicious!! If you are looking for thrifty recipe ideas, DIY projects and decorating tips, you really should check out Selina's blog -

Creative Juices for Decor!!