If you've already tried Peanut Butter Brownies, this recipe won't taste any different. The difference is that THIS RECIPE is EVEN HEALTHIER! I've included some previous text, since it highlights dates!
Like I often say, these are so healthy you could eat them for breakfast! In fact, that is exactly what my 10 yr-old daughter did! She said, "I had to remind myself that these were healthy, so I would stop eating them!" (she actually makes very healthy choices, but that's what she said).
Peanut butter and walnuts are healthy fats, and cocoa has it's own exhausting list of mental and and other health benefits!
Dates rock! Check out: Dr Greger's endorsement of dates as a healthy food. In a nutshell: a worry is that dates (mostly sugar) may raise our blood sugar, raise our triglycerides, oxidatively stress our bodies, and make us fat. According to recent studies: DATES are FANTASTIC for us! Dates have no effect on triglycerides or weight, and improve antioxidant stress levels. One study proposes that dates may be an almost IDEAL food with their many essential nutrients and health benefits!
Healthy Fudgy Brownies
1.5 c black beans (or 1 can, drained, rinsed)
3 c pitted dates (60 dates if you're counting!)
2 c walnuts*
1/2" fresh turmeric (or 1/2 tsp)
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 t vanilla
1/2 c ground flaxseed
3/4 c unsweetened cocoa
1.75 c water
In a strong blender, such as a Blendtec or Vitamix, combine ingredients. Add water, 1/2 cup at a time, pulsing between, until mixture is smooth. Line a 12x18" baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet. Alternatively, use several silicone pans (Last time I used a 9x9 square pan, a bread pan, and an 8" round pan to use all the batter). Spread batter about a half inch thick on baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 min at 400 degrees F (convection: 30-40 min at 375). Enjoy!
Gently cut while warm, with a serrated knife.
*Walnuts are healthiest, and one of the least expensive, but probably any nut will work!
**water helps with mixing, but if you omit that last cup of water, or some of it, brownies will be less gooey in the middle.
These are delicious piping hot from the oven! SO YUMMY! AND even tastier the next day...if there are any left!
COMMENTS: What is your favorite dessert? Have you tried a healthy version? Is there a recipe you would like me to try to convert, sweet or savory?
Previous directions (in case this is what you prefer):
In a food processor, combine nuts, dates, spices, beans, and vanilla. Add water, 1/2 cup at a time, pulsing between, until mixture is smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine mixture with remaining ingredients (flaxseed, cocoa, peanut butter) until smooth. Optional, add up to 1 c additional water**. Line a 12x18" baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet. Spread batter about a half inch thick on baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 min at 400 degrees F (convection: 30-40 min at 375). Enjoy!
