Happy thoughts

The two things that make me the happiest are cooking and sharing my thoughts so...

Chocolate Surprise Brownies
(from Vegan on the Cheap by Robin Robertson)

1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbl oil
4 Tbl unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ripe banana
2 Tbl instant coffee
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 cup (vegan) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease an 8" square baking dish.
In a food processor combine the black beans, sugar and oil, blend until smooth. Add the banana, coffee and vanilla.

Scrape mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Scrape the batter into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely on wire rack, then refrigerate for several hours before cutting.

Think happy thoughts while savoring this delicious surprise!