Black Bean Brownies (best dessert EVER!)

No matter how wonderful the South Beach Diet is, there will always be those cravings for sweet. Well, I am delighted to say that I finally found the best sweet so far. I know, when you see "bean" in the title, you are already pushed away. Bot do not fear, beans are used only for their texture, they have a neutral taste, like a blank slate. Read me out:

[picture coming soon]

Ingredients for 4 servings:

eggs - 2 (1/2 cup egg substitute for the vegan version)

vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp

olive oil - 2 tsp

beans (black or kidney), canned, drained - 120 grams / 4.5 oz / 0.75 cups

cocoa powder (unsweetened) - 1.5 tbsp

sweetener - 3-4 tbsp

baking powder - 1/2 tsp

for extra flavor:

orange extract - 1/2 tsp

orange zest - 1 small orange yield

Instructions:

1. Grease an 4" x 4" square tray with a light cooking oil spray (or use 4 muffin forms). Preheat the oven to 375 F / 190 C.

2. Drain and rinse the black beans.

3. In a food processor, beat the eggs lightly and add vanilla extract (orange extract, if using any) and the olive oil, and continue blending.

4. Add the baking powder and sweetener, and keep blending, still on low speed.

5. Add the black beans and run on medium to medium-high, until the beans are pulverized and it becomes a smooth paste (you'll still be able to see tiny pieces of beans, it's OK).

6. Add the cocoa and run on low again, until fully blended.

7. Add the orange zest, if using any, and mix one more time.

8. Then pour the mixture in the tray (or muffin forms) and put in oven for about 30 minutes, until they rise nicely and you'll see the surface has a small crack, like the French baguettes have.

9. Let cool down and enjoy!

Nutritional information for 1 serving:

Calories: 91

Carbs: 7

Fiber: 2

Fat: 6

Protein: 5