February is in full swing as we are approaching the middle of the month already. How?!? With the famous groundhog forecasting 6 more weeks of Winter, I suppose we should've been expecting the blizzard we were met with today on Long Island.
Snow and all, February is a time for love, heart-shaped everything, shades of pink and red, heart health, and lots and lots of…chocolate!!
So, what if you're on a roll with upgrading your health so far in 2017, but still looking for something that looks and tastes like an indulgence? What if you or a family member have some food allergies / sensitivities that prevent you from being able to eat most of the store-bought or homemade recipes out there? I hope this Red Velvet Love Brownie recipe fills that void for you!
These bad boys are gluten-free, dairy-free, high in protein and fiber, and contain healthy fats plus a full serving of veggies. They're chocolate-y, yet low glycemic…how's that for showing your heart some love this month?!
Red Velvet Love Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-oz) can of black beans, rinsed (BPA-free can)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup beets (sliced and cooked - either roast in oven or buy a jar)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 T coconut oil, melted
- 1 T water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened / dairy-free / gluten-free chocolate chips
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients in food processor, high-speed blender (keep scraping sides down), or with a mixer.
- Combine wet ingredients into bowl with dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour into well-greased muffin tin or line with paper liners. This makes adorable, round brownies with slightly crispy edges that are like getting the highly sought-after corner piece each time. ;-)
- For the look pictured up top (with the heart in the middle), cut a beet slice into the heart shape and press onto top. Other ideas for toppings include: chocolate chips, hemp seeds, walnuts, or anything else your creative mind comes up with.
- Bake 20-25 minutes - until edges start to pull away from muffin tin and become slightly crispy.
- Share with your favorite people!
Alright guys…will you dare to try these? It is definitely "different" to bake with black beans, but they taste so chocolate-y and are healthy…come on now! Brownies for lunch, anyone?
In good health,
Tara