Amazing Black Bean Brownies

Moist, delicious and chocolaty brownies with way less guilt, who doesn't love that?!?!  I'll admit, I was incredibly skeptical when my friend Tree's roommates in Boston gave me this recipe.  I tested one of their brownies that night and fell in love.  I'll admit that people give you a funny look when you offer them a black bean brownie, but once they taste them, they are quickly won over.  These brownies do have to be stored in the refrigerator once they are baked, but they are well worth it.  Please give them a try and you'll love them!  If you want to make them a little sweeter, add about a half cup of sugar to the pureed bean mixture.  Enjoy!

4 oz unsweetened chocolate

1 c. butter
2 c. cooked black beans.  (use canned beans)

1 c. walnuts chopped

1 Tbsp vanilla
¼ tsp salt
4 eggs
1 ½ agave nectar
¼ c. instant coffee, made

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line an 11 x 18 inch pan with parchment paper and spray with oil.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a class bowl in the microwave for 1 ½ minutes to 2 minutes on high.  Stir with a spoon to melt the chocolate completely.  Place the beans, ½ cup of the walnuts, vanilla, and some of the melted chocolate in the bowl of a food processor.  Blend for 2 minutes or until smooth.  The batter should be thick and the beans smooth.

 In a large bowl mix the remaining ½ c. walnuts, remaining chocolate, coffee and salt.  Mix well and set aside.

 In another bowl, beat the eggs until light and creamy about a minute.  Add the agave nectar and beat well. 

 Add the bean/chocolate mixture to the coffee/chocolate mixture.  Stir until well blended.  Add the egg mixture reserving about ½ a cup.  Mix well.  Pour the batter in the prepared pan.  Using a mix, re-beat the egg mixture until fluffy and drizzle over the brownie mixture.  Swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect.  Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until they are set.  Let cool in the pan completely, then put in the refrigerator.  After an hour, slice into squares.  Make sure to store them in the refrigerator and enjoy!