Peanut Butter Brownies: Recipe 10 of 12

Welcome to Busy Women Mealtime Makeover! Whether you are one of the lovely busy ladies participating in the makeover or just interested in taking your meals up a notch – girl, do I have some rockin’ recipes for you! From now until June 1st, I’ll be featuring twelve new delicious makeover-friendly recipes. This week, we are focusing on eating more natural sweeteners. (And if you want to join in and get the entire makeover PDF complete with meal plans, shopping lists and recipes, videos and photos of me cooking, weekly emails with additional recipes and kitchen tips and tricks and access to our online forum, you can totally start a few days late – click here and sign up!)
Cameron, you are busy, right? How do you get a decent, healthy meal on the table? 
These days I’m focusing on really simple recipes and things I can put together quickly since I have an increasingly active 8 month old daughter. I am going to start using the slow cooker a lot more for one-pot meals and cooking in bulk always helps me get more mileage out of meals. I also find that having a few key cooking techniques in your back pocket like knowing how to make a good salad dressing or marinade lets you be more creative in the kitchen without having to rely on recipes.
Why do you make healthy, real food a priority in your life?
Once I started really reading labels and learning more about where our food comes from, it made it really hard to buy the packaged stuff. I love brownies for example, but since actually reading about all the hydrogenated oils in the mixes, I’ve come up with ways to make my own. I just feel better when I eat real food. My energy is better, my digestion is better and even my mood is better! I also like knowing exactly what I’m putting into my body, especially since I am breastfeeding.
What is your favorite thing to make during the spring months?
During the Spring I like to start making my green smoothies, and get creative with all kinds of salads. I’ve just recently started experimenting with rhubarb too.
What is that one thing that busy people can do this spring to eat a little healthier?
Eat loads of greens that are popping up this time of year!
What is your favorite gadget in the kitchen?
My Kitchenaid mixer. I love making healthy versions of desserts and baked goods so gotta have a good mixer!
Peanut Butter Brownies
Ingredients:
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
¼  cup unsalted butter
¼ cup apple sauce
1 cups soft-cooked black beans, drained well  (canned is fine)
½  cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½  cup peanut butter
¼ teaspoon sea salt (if using unsalted peanut butter only)
2 large eggs
1 cup dates
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8” round or square baking dish with greased parchment paper.  In a small bowl, melt chocolate and butter. In food processor, combine black beans, applesauce, peanut butter, vanilla, dates and chocolate/butter mixture. Blend 2 minutes or until smooth.  In a separate bowl, beat eggs using a hand mixer for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add all but ¼ cup to food processor and blend. Pour mixture into baking dish. Drizzle remaining egg on top and swirl into mixture with a knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before serving.  Makes 16 small brownies.
Thanks Cameron!