Thursday, January 3, 2013

Cranberry Flax Blondies With White Chocolate Chunks...White Bean Style

Ok so I know this is really close in proximity to my black bean brownies recipe, but it was just so awesomely delicious that I simply HAD to try out a white bean blondie version. This is kinda the same recipe, minus the chocolate and plus a bunch of other healthy and delicious goodies. These turned out just as wonderful. Just amazing, in fact. And like the brownies, these blondies are wayyyy better after they sit out over night. Try them out!




Cranberry Flax Blondies With White Chocolate Chunks
1 15 oz Can white beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
3 Eggs
3 Tb canola oil
1 Tb vanilla extract
1/2 cup tightly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or any other type of flower)
1/2 Tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 Cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chunks
1/3 Cup normal or golden flax seeds


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a food processor or with an immersion blender, puree the white beans until the are smooth and there are not lumps left.
3. Take the white bean puree and put it into a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and oil until smooth.
4. Stir in the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt . Once incorporated the batter will look exactly like regular blondie batter.
5. Fold in the flax seeds, dried cranberries, and white chocolate chunks. Pour into an 8x8 inch cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6.  Let the blondies cool thoroughly before eating. (they're way better after they cool overnight!)

Health Benefits!!
Dried Cranberries- low in fat, and high in fiber!
Whole Wheat Flour- High in fiber, high in   B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and iron. Has a TON more nutrients than white flour.
Flax- High in fiber, antioxidants and healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help to lower bad cholesterol. Flax seeds contain lignans, a phytoestrogen that has been shown to have cancer-preventing properties. Flax seeds are also a great source of Vitamin E, minerals like manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium, vitamin B-6, and folates.
White Beans- High in protein and fiber, they contain molybdenum which helps detoxify the body, high in zinc, copper, magnesium, and contain skin-protecting antioxidants.



Sources: 
http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/white-beans-navy.php

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=54#healthbenefits
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/flax-seed.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/376709-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-dried-cranberries/

1 comment:

  1. You look so familiar to me!! I'm sure we've met before.
    These look good. I've made black bean brownies before, but I think I'd like these better!

    ReplyDelete