Five Star Brownies

These sinful, nutrient-packed brownies include folate-rich beets, which can help boost mood. Though not common in a brownie recipe, black beans add moistness and extra depth, and also a generous serving of fiber and protein!

Makes 12 servings. Total preparation time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 package organic brownie mix
1⁄4 cup cooked or canned black beans (drained)
1⁄4 cup cooked or canned beets (drained)
1⁄4 cup mini chocolate chips (lily’s sugar-free are great!)
1⁄4 cup pitted cherries, optional
Cooking oil (PAM)
1⁄4 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray bottom of pan with cooking oil.
2. Purée vegetables and water in a blender until smooth. Combine vegetable mixture with brownie mix and pour into pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and use a butter knife to mix chips into batter. Add pitted cherries if using.
3. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool, cut into 1×1-inch squares and serve.

Per serving: 200 calories, 3g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 54mg potassium, 42g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 2g protein

Yours in Health & Bliss,