Gluten Free, It works for me!

Black bean brownies....What?! Black bean brownies? Sounds pretty strange, right? I thought so, too.  I had tasted some "interesting" attempts at this recipe.  Most of them were a little chunky, a bit beany, and honestly, pretty terrible.  Of course, I see most situations as a challenge instead of a problem.  So, for some unknown reason, I took on these beany brownies and came out victorious..or at least everyone in my house thinks so!  These are perfect for people on a low carb diet or those who have to go gluten-free.  Try them out, add your own twist, embrace your sense of adventure!

Brownie a la Black Bean

Ingredients
1 (15.5 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed (I used Goya)
4 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or applesauce (I used oil)
3 oz Cocoa powder (3 oz is between 1/4 and 1/3 cup.  Use more or less depending on your taste. I used Hershey)
1 pinch of salt
1 T vanilla extract
2/3 c white sugar or Splenda
1 t instant coffee (even if you don't like it, don't leave it out!!!)
1 t baking powder
1 c chocolate chips (milk, dark, white or a mix.  You could also add nuts or peanut butter chips, etc)

- Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Lightly grease baking dish (I used a 7X10 but a 9X9 would do)
- In a  blender combine beans, eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, sugar, coffee, and baking powder. Blend on high for at least 4 minutes.  You will still see some of the bean shell but they should be fine pieces.
- At this point I added my chocolate chips and blended for about 20 seconds more.  I wanted them to be chocolatey through out.  However, you can just add them to the top.
- Pour into prepared pan. Top with nuts or chips, if desired.
-Bake 30 minutes until brownie begins to pull from sides of pan and center is firm.  Let cool before cutting.  Use a knife dipped in water for each cut.

French Toast? Mais oui!

I must have ESP.  When I woke up this morning, I rummaged through the kitchen looking for something to make for breakfast.  After weighing my options, I finally decided to make my boys French toast.  A little cinnamon, some vanilla...easy, yet tasty!  Halfway through the process, Tommy came home and said he was just thinking about diving into a big plate of French toast....Man, I'm good! And, so was the French toast!  Here's what I did...

6 slices whole wheat bread (or whatever you have)
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 T brown sugar
1 T vanilla
2 t cinnamon
2 T butter

Since my bread was fresh, I put it in the oven for a few minutes to make it crusty.  In a flat bottomed bowl, whisk together the eggs milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla.  Dip the bread into egg mix.  Melt butter in a skillet and place bread in melted butter.  Fry until brown on both sides.   Serve warm with powdered sugar, syrup or your favorite topping.