Beanie Brownies With Variations

Another recipe for bean brownies, but this one uses a boxed mix as the base. Replacing all or some of the oil/fat in your brownies with pureed beans provides a deliciously lower fat, lower cholesterol, high fiber snack! Instead of using black beans, this recipe uses white kidney beans, or cannellini beans. By experimenting with different extracts, zests, chips and nuts, you've got an endless supply of unique brownie flavors!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 20 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 (18 1/3ounce) box  brownie mix (your favorite brand)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans)

• Option 1- Lemon Ginger

• 1  teaspoon  lemon extract
• 2  teaspoons ground ginger
• 1  lemon (zest of)
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds (sprinkle on top)

• Option 2 - Cranberry orange

• 1  teaspoon  orange extract
• 2  teaspoons ground ginger
• 1  orange (zest of)
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries (minced, to sprinkle on top)

• Option 3 - Cherry almond

• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 1⁄2 cup dried cherries (minced, to sprinkle on top)
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds (to sprinkle on top)

• Option 4 - Pumpkin

• 1  cup pumpkin puree
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup pecans (chopped, to sprinkle on top)

• Option 5 - Apple spice

• 1  cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon clove
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts (chopped, to sprinkle on top)

Directions

1. Preheat oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix.
2. Spray an 8x8 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Pour the beans into a strainer, and rinse well. Put the beans back in the can and add enough water to cover beans.
4. Put the beans and water into the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
5. Add brownie mix to beans and stir until combined.
6. Stir in whichever ingredients required for the flavor option of your choice, except anything listed as a topping.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan, sprinkle any toppings and bake according to package directions and until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.