Fudgy Brownie and Grab-and-Go Granola Bars

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

1 15oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

3 large eggs

3 T canola oil

3/4 C granulated sugar (used xylitol substitute)

1/2 C unsweetened cocoa powder

1 t vanilla extract

1/2 t peppermint extract, optional

1/2 t baking powder

1 pinch salt

1/2 C mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (I used carob chips)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Lightly oil or coat an 8x8 in. 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, peppermint extract as desired, baking powder, and salt and process until smooth.  Add 1/4 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 1/4 cup chocolate chips.

4. Bake 30-35 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.

Grab-and-Go Granola Bars

1 C quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats

1 C spoon-size shredded wheat cereal

1 C walnuts

1 1/2 C dried fruit (choose one or more: raisins, cherries, apricots, cranberries, prunes)

1/2 t ground cinnamon

1/2 t salt

2 large eggs

1/4 C honey (used Raw honey)

1 t vanilla extract

1/4 C mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (used carob chips)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Lightly oil or coat an 8x8 in baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Place the oats, shredded wheat, walnuts, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped (the fruit should be the size of a dried pea or lentil).

3. Whisk together the eggs, honey, and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended. Add the oat mixture and chocolate chips and stir to continue.

4. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan, and flatten gently with the back of a spoon or rubber spatula.

5. Bake about 18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.  Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into twelve 2x2 1/2 inch bars.