No-Flour Black Bean Brownies (aka My New Addiction)

recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie

(gluten-free)

• 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) 
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder- dutch or regular  (add a little extra if desired)
• 1/2 cup quick oats *
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (Honey will work, too) 
• 2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup) *
• 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil 
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips  (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)
• optional: more chips, for presentation

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.) Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. Makes 9-12 brownies.

* I ran out of quick oats so I used about 1/4 cup quick and 1/4 cup old fashioned and they turned out great!

* I used 2 tbsp brown sugar, unpacked

These were so SO yummy!! I love that I can eat them and not  feel like I might turn into a cow (although I already have at this point....and eating the entire pan, nearly by myself, may not have been the BEST choice...but totally delicious!!) Make sure you do NOT over cook these! I think I found my new comfort "healthy treat" food!