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BLOODY GOOD BROWNIE BITES

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BLOOD ORANGE BLACK BEAN BROWNIE BITES.jpg

Chocolate and orange — in this case, blood orange — are a match made in heaven.  Good news is, these BLOODY GOOD BROWNIE BITES come together super quick in your blender or food processor.  Better still, they are free of refined sugar and absolutely packed with fibre, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

The surprise ingredient in these delicious no-bake bites of bliss is black beans.  Now don’t let this scare you off!  When they first tried my original Double Chocolate & PB Brownie Bites, my hubby and 3 chicklets could NOT taste the beans and thought someone else had made them unhealthy brownies!  They are wise to my ways now, but these are a hit all the same!

In terms of nutrition, black beans really pack a punch.  One cup of these nutrient-rich legumes contains almost 15 grams of fibre — including resistant starch aka gut-friendly prebiotics — and over 15 grams of protein.  Furthermore, black beans are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals including zinc and folate, as well as flavonoid antioxidants.

Ingredients for 12-15 brownie bites:

  • 1 can black beans (19 oz), rinsed and drained

  • 6 pitted Medjool dates*

  • 1/3 cup Nuzest Clean Lean Rich Chocolate (or Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural) protein powder

  • 1/4 cup Giddy Yo raw cacao powder

  • 1 Tbsp maca powder (optional)

  • 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil or avocado oil

  • 1 Tbsp orange zest

  • juice from 1/2 orange

  • 1/8 tsp sea salt

  • 1/3 cup Giddy Yo cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips (optional)

  • optional chocolate coating: dark chocolate bar (we used 85% cacao bar) & orange zest

*Note: These brownie bites are sweetened only with dates.  However, if you prefer them sweeter, add 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup, or Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener or stevia to taste.

Directions:

  1. Put black beans in food processor or blender container and process until very smooth.

  2. Add dates, protein powder, cacao, maca, oil, orange zest, orange juice, and sea salt. Blend until a uniform paste is created, scraping the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula as needed.

  3. Adjust sweetness and orange zest to taste. Stir in cacao nibs or chocolate chips for an optional crunch.

  4. Scrape mixture onto a plate or parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Roll chilled dough into balls and then place in freezer for 15 minutes or until firm.

  5. For optional chocolate coating, melt dark chocolate in a pot over low heat, stirring continuously.

  6. Dip balls in melted chocolate and place on parchment. Garnish with orange zest as desired and chill before serving.

Bloody Good Brownie Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a week, or the freezer for up to 2 months.