Black Bean BrowniesRecipe by Chef Heidi Fink

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the cocoa powders, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and blend well with a whisk.
4. In a blender or food processor, puree beans with eggs and vanilla. Alternatively, use a potato masher to thoroughly mash the beans, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
5. Add bean mixture to the chocolate mixture, along with the baking powder, and mix well. Stir in nuts, if using.
6. Scrape brownie mixture into prepared pan. Place in the centre of the oven and bake 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be dry, and a skewer inserted in the centre should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached. You can over-bake the mashed bean brownies compared to regular brownies, because the cooked beans keep them so moist.
7. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting, otherwise they tend to fall apart.