A Martha Moment … And a Recipe for Chocolate Bean
Valentine Brownies

post from Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen on 07 February 2013 08:24:04 PM. © Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen

I don’t have a single ounce of “Martha” in my blood, so I actually surprised myself with these Valentine brownies. Besides the pretty hearts on top, my brownies are heart healthy too thanks to some of their star ingredients: red kidney beans, dark chocolate, walnuts, and omega-3 eggs!

Pretty artsey-fartsy, don’t you think (excuse the pun)! And yes, I’m on a bean dessert kick for sure

Take an index card and fold it in half. Cut out half a heart shape in the center. Unfold. Cut around the heart to create your stencil. Lay over cut brownies and dust with powdered sugar.

Chocolate Bean Valentine Brownies

Makes 16 Servings

These brownies are gluten free, light, and fudgy. The recipe calls for just 2 tablespoons of oil — that’s all it really needs — and you can’t taste the beans at all. In fact, they lend a lovely creaminess and richness to the dessert.

3/4 cup lightly toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
One 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed very well
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Powdered sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Place the walnuts in the bowl of a food process and process until finely chopped. Remove and set aside.

3. Place the beans in the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and oil and process until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt and process until smooth. Add the chips and walnuts and pulse a few times until the chips are incorporated.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake about 35 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing into 2-inch squares.

5. To decorate, place a heart-shaped stencil over brownie. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Repeat until all brownies are decorated.

Nutrition Information per Serving (1 brownie): 160 calories, 8g fat (1.5g saturated, 0.7 omega-3), 95 mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, 5g protein

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We promise that our next brownie recipe will not include beans, though we must admit that beans make a great addition! Check out our other bean brownie recipe: Fudgy Black Bean Brownies. And have a great Valentine’s Day!

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