Last night I was in the mood for chocolate. However, we are still on the special diet for P90X. But I wanted something sweet. But there is only one more week left until the end of P90X. But ….chocolate….

What’s a girl to do?

Make black bean brownies, of course!

Black beans are so great! They are full of protein, fiber, as well as antioxidants. I absolutely adore the flavor of black beans as well. They are rich and earthy (Muladhara anyone?) Black beans are also very hard to come by in Korea. Luckily, I found a bunch at the local supermarket last week and stocked up. I know… things I do in Asia…stocking up on beans. Laughable!

I also definitely wanted something sweet but not totally bad for the diet. Something delicious and rich but not oily. So I made up this recipe for just the right amount of brownie bites to satisfy a chocolate craving.

Black bean brownie bites

Ingredients:

1/2 c black beans, cooked

1/4 c cocoa powder

1 chia “egg” (3 tsp of ground chia mixed with 6 tbsp of water)

1/4 c almond butter made by a fantastic friend

1/4 c agave nectar

1/2 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Some Hershey Kisses (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius.

Line a muffin pan with small muffin papers. It is OK if they do not fit.

1. Make the chia “egg” and set aside to gel.

2. In a food processor, pulse beans, almond butter, agave, baking powder, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.

3. Add the chia “egg”. Process.

4. Pour about 2 tbsp of batter into each muffin paper.

5. Bake for 10 minutes.

6. If you would like to add the Kisses on top, do so immediately after the brownies come out of the oven.

These brownie bites were sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth craving, and so rich that I felt as if I drank a cup of liquid chocolate.  They did not at all taste like black beans! Who can refuse a healthy dessert? I ate about 5 tiny brownies. This recipe make about 8-9 brownie bites. Enough for two people to have with tea as the sun sets.  Or just enough for one chocolate-hungry Russian.

I have been having trouble staying in the kitchen lately. Partly because I am so busy and partly because it is so nice outside! Who wants to cook when you can just go to the beach and enjoy a fresh watermelon all to yourself? So I am asking for help. What are your favorite easy summer recipes to make? Help me out.

I wish you love and light,

Maria