1 can black beans, washed and drained

1/2 c. lite ricotta cheese

1 c. Splenda

3 T. vanilla

3 T. olive oil

4 XL eggs

3/4 c. unsweetened baking cocoa

2 t. baking powder

2 t. baking soda

Optional – 1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips or 1/2 c. unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped.

Blend all ingredients in a blender on high speed until thoroughly mixed. Pour into two oiled 8″ pans (or one 13″ pan) lined with waxed paper which as been oiled. Bake for no more than 20 mins. in preheated 350 degree oven. They will be soft in the center when taken out of oven. Cool pans on baking racks. Lift brownies out of pans by hanging onto edges of waxed paper and place on baking rack to cool. Peel away the paper when the brownies are cooled. Slice each pan into 16 servings. Top with Cool Whip or yogurt. These must always be refrigerated. Also freeze well.

Note: Try it, you’ll like it! This sounds unusual but is delicious. It is a healthy dessert. It tastes similar to rich, dark, chocolate cake.  If you don’t care for Splenda, try substituting sugar.

This recipe is from Devin in 2008.