Decadent and Healthy??! The Most Amazing Black Bean Brownies

                                       

From: Chocolate Covered Katie

 

Have you ever had one of those Friday nights when you have absolutely nothing

to do?! Yes, I think we have all had that feeling at some point in our lives. Last week was crazy for me because my dad was in the hospital and my mom wanted to stay with him overnight. I don't blame her, the nurses actually made some rookie mistakes. (SMH.) Anyway, that left me home alone with my grandfather. Not like there is anything wrong with that because we had a nice Chinese meal together and we got to catch up. He is no different that the average senior citizen because he falls asleep really easily in front of the TV. I really didn't feel like watching more TV or going on the computer. At the same time, I had a chocolate craving, but wanted something healthy and sweet. Look no further than http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/ !

I already knew she had brownie recipes , but I was looking for one with black beans because I knew I had those in the pantry. Low and behold there it was. Before all of you think I'm crazy for putting black beans in this classic chocolate treat, I want you to know these are absolutely delicious. You cannot taste the black beans at all! Just pure, fudgey deliciousness. Plus, these brownies don't get dry after 2 days so share them with everyone! I am definitely going to make these again.

PS: for my version of this recipe I pureed the chocolate chips in with the batter (oops) but it made it taste awesome. I also put some chocolate chips on top of the hot brownies to melt and spread on top.

 

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz) can of black beans ( RINSED AND DRAINED WELL!!)

2 tbsp. cocoa powder

1/2 cup quick oats

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup honey

3 packets low cal sweetener, plus 1 tbsp. regular sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2- 1 cup chocolate chips

 

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2.Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Blend until very, very smooth. Make sure there are not too many lumps (from the beans). Taste the batter to make sure it is to your liking.

I know it will be ;)

3. Pour into a greased 8x8 pan.

4.Sprinkle chocolate chips over top.

5. Bake 15-18 minutes.

6. Spread melted chips with a knife and let cool.

7. The melted chocolate chips add a nice hardened glaze.

 

Serves: 9-12

 

This Is the Real Deal: "Skinny" Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt ( No Ice Cream Maker Required!)

I recently created a Pinterest account and have been exploring the many pins and things my friends are interested in. One of the most popular things people post are pics of food/recipes. Pinterest is great because if you are looking for a specific recipe or doing some recipe research, Pinterest has you covered. And if you aren't convinced by all the mouth-watering pictures, there is something wrong with you. Anyway, I make it a point to actually make the recipes I pin. I recently came across this picture and recipe on Pinterest. It's from the Domestic Rebel. Recently, I've been trying to exercise more, eat less crap food, and control my portions. I admit its difficult because I love dessert! After seeing this recipe I fell in love. It has everything you love about cookie dough, plus the creaminess of fat free greek yogurt. It is so simple to make and your taste buds will thank you. The texture is wonderfully smooth, considering you don't need an ice cream maker to make this. Just try not to eat it all before it goes in the freezer. Just a note, I used regular size chocolate chips in this recipe instead of mini chips. ( I'm a chocolate fiend)

 

From: The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp. milk

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 - 1 cup regular size chocolate chips

1 cup fat free vanilla Greek yogurt ( I used Stony Brook Farms ;)

 

Steps: Have butter softened, and appropriate utencils/bowls out. EASY MICE EN PLACE

1.  In a large bowl,stir the softened butter and sugar together. Mix well.

2. Add in the vanilla and milk, stir to combine.

3. Using a large spoon, add in the flour and stir well.

4. Add in the chocolate chops and stir..

 

5. Lastly, add in the yogurt. Mix until the consistency is like pudding.

6. Transfer into a freezer safe container and freeze overnight.

 

7. DEVOUR THIS DELICIOUSNESS.

 

Serves: 3 cups

 

 

 

It's Banana Time: Marbled Banana Bread (vegan)

Ever wonder what you should do with those 2-3 bananas that no one is eating?

Make a sundae? pancakes? muffins? bananas foster? BANANA BREAD?

Yes, banana bread is the answer. Those other choices are good too, but banana bread always satisfies and you can enjoy it day after day. If for some strange reason you can use it to make french toast (omg) or bread pudding.  I had 2 overripe bananas lying around , so I decided to make a banana bread with a twist. Bananas and chocolate are best friends, so why not put them together for one fabulous quick bread? This recipe is vegan, so it has no eggs. Not to worry, this recipe is still moist and delicious. Not to mention, the banana chocolate batter is VERY ADDICITING. Ok, that's your warning.Enjoy this wonderful bread for breakfast, snack, or dessert with ice cream. YUMMO.

Ingredients:

2 overripe bananas

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp canola oil

1/3 cup milk (almond or regular)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

6 tbsp hot water

Steps:Have all these ingredients out,measured, and ready to go.

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Prepare boiling water. ( no need to measure just estimate 6 tbsp)

3.Mash the banana in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to mash it fine so there are no lumps.

4. Beat in the sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla to the mashed banana.

5.Now add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture.

6. Mix thoroughly to combine.

7. Using a measuring cup , scoop 1 cup of the batter to another bowl.

8. Add the cocoa powder and 3 tbsp hot water to the second bowl of batter.

9. Stir until combined, add more water if needed.

10. Lightly grease an 8x4 loaf pan. Scoop alternate 1/2 cup fulls of banana batter and chocolate banana batter in the pan. 

11. Using a knife, swirl the batters in any random pattern you desire.

12.Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Serves 8

Product Review #2: Amy's Tamale Pie

Ah, I love product reviews! There are just some foods you have to tell everyone

about. As most of you know, I am a college student with a busy schedule. It was Monday

afternoon and I just finished with class. I was hungry and wanted to buy a meal to eat at home rather

 than spend $7 on lunch and have it go cold on me. I've been meaning to try Amy's frozen entrées for

a while. Well, I finally got my chance. The name " Tamale Pie" and the picture got me intrigued

so I went to the cash register and brought this baby home.

First Impressions: small box= possibly small portion?, picture is very appealing, I love

polenta and stewed veggies so what could be better?!

Calories= 140

Fat = 4

As one can see, this is very light for a meal, but I assure you there is a ton of protein

and fiber (4g) that will keep you pretty full.

Appearance:

Personally, I find this to be one of the best looking frozen entrees on the market. 

The tender polenta holds a rich, tomatoey blend of corn ,onions and beans.

Taste: Once you take one bite, you'll forget that this is a frozen mini meal. I couldn't stop eating this one 

and I wish there was more! The sauce is rich and flavorful and the polenta is tender and chewy.

Overall: I would buy this again for my next mini meal!

Rating: 4 stars

      Rating System: 1 star = never eating this again
                             2 stars= I wasted my money on this meal, but I will eat it because I'm hungry.
                             3 stars= I am satisfied
                             4 stars= Omg this is so good!
                             5 stars= foodgasm. get me more.