Black Bean Brownies

Makes 16 Servings

• One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed very well
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons canola oil (i dont use canola oil so used sunflower)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

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 black beans in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth and creamy.  Add the eggs, oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract as desired, baking powder, and salt and process until smooth.  Add ¼ cup of the chips and pulse a few times until the chips are incorporated.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top with a rubber spatula, and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips.
4. Bake 30 to 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.

Carolines Granola Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Granola Recipe:
4 1/2 cups (450 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup (150 grams) whole raw almonds
1 cup (90 grams) raw sunflower seeds
1 cup (90 grams) raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 tablespoon (5 grams) wheat germ (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) apple sauce
2 tablespoons canola, corn, or sunflower oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
1/3 cup (80 ml) brown rice syrup or golden syrup
3/4 cup (160 grams) light brown sugar
1 to 2 cups dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, figs, and/or raisins) (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS

Granola Recipe: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and place the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, two baking sheets.
In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, ground cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, stir together the apple sauce, oil, honey, brown rice syrup (golden syrup), and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the liquid. Divide the granola evenly between the two baking sheets and bake for about 35 - 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally so the mixture browns evenly. (The browner the granola gets (without burning) the crunchier the granola will be.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. You will notice that the granola may still be sticky when it is removed from the oven but it will become crisp and dry as it cools. Make sure to break up any large clumps of granola while the mixture is still warm. Once the granola has completely cooled, add the dried fruit(s), and store in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.
Serve plain or with milk and fresh fruit.
Makes about 10 cups.