Chocolate Brownies.....with Black Beans?!?

I had heard about a recipe for Black Bean Brownies a few years back but never got up the nerve to actually make them. Because, however bold I am at trying weird and unusual food items I just wasn't quite sure about beans....in my dessert.

But it's a great concept. Beans equal fiber. And fiber equals ....well, I think you get the idea. They are basically a win win.

I tried the recipe the other night and they were super easy to make and delicious. You cannot tell they have beans in them whatsoever. The taste is the same as a normal brownie as well as the texture. Here is the recipe for those brave souls who are so inclined:

Black Bean Brownies

1 box of organic brownie mix
1-15 oz. can of organic black beans

Rinse beans in can until all existing water is gone and fill can up with fresh water. Put into food processor until beans and water are smooth.

Add to brownie mix and follow the box instructions. Voila!

(my husband was totally into these brownies and loved them until I "spilled the beans" on what the number one ingredient was). So don't tell a soul in your family and this will be a great way for your kids to get in the extra fiber they need in their diet while still eating chocolate! You can also substitute pinto beans in place of the black beans. One can of black beans contains almost 21 grams of fiber by the way. Although, I don't suggest you eat the whole batch yourself.

Vegan Wednesday!

Chia seeds as a VEGAN source of Omega 3s

 

Chia seeds are growing in popularity and are quickly catching up to flax seeds as the most popular source of Omega fats for vegetarians.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds:

• They absorb ten times their weight in water, making them great for staying hydrated.
• They are easily digestible, and don't need to be ground like flax seed.
• They block some calories from being absorbed, hence they are a great helper in weight loss.
• They are high in fiber and healthy oils, so they are great while doing a detox program (or every day!)
• They contain the highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (60%!)
• They contain boron which is essential for bone health.
• They are high in calcium (2 0z. chia contains 600 mg calcium compared to 120 mg in a cup of milk!)
• They contain 2 times more potassium than bananas.
• They have 3 times the antioxidants of blueberries.

Chia seeds can be eaten raw, hydrated or cooked. They are helpful for fatigue, weight loss, reducing blod clots, heart disease and diabetes.

 

Chia seeds are a nutrition powerhouse for those of us who don't eat fish or take a fish oil supplement. Stop in to Food For Thought today to check out our selection! We have chia available in seed and powder form in both bulk and packaged varieties.