Kidney Bean, Beet Blondie Brownies

The brownies that are perfect for your Luteal & menstrual phases. Made with Whole Foods that will satisfy the sweet chocolate cravings you get monthly.

In the creation process of these brownies, a few things inspired the coming together of them that i’d like to share. I think it is so sweet to hear how things get crafted, as the journey is really what makes the outcome a special peak experience. My women friends are some of my #1 inspiration that I receive so much fuel and passion from. I had an intentional oil crafting night with one of my besties on island, Taylor-@taytaywilaaaay on insta. She directed me to her fridge to get a bite of her kidney bean brownies and from the first bite I was hooked! I was amazed how smooth the flavor was with no hints of bean in them. Furthermore, I did my own research to see how I wanted to craft my own. My process with baking is experimental, intuitive, receiving inspiration from how other people make their recipes, while making my own original twists on them. I don’t like to make any fixed recipes, as I know that I can always create something new each time and experiment with different ingredients to see what works well for my taste buds, so I encourage you to have an open curiosity with your own creations as well.

As a woman that practices cyclical living, I have been tracking my cycles for years now and see the re-occuring pattern of chocolate cravings and more nutrient dense foods as my hormones drop. Especially the longer my cycle draws out into the deep luteal phase (pre-menstrual), my eyes go directly to the chocolate bars at the store. Whereas, The first half of my cycle, my body doesn’t have that same impulse. So, the best way for me to feel satiated during these times is to prepare myself with nutrient dense foods that will satisfy my intensified hunger and honor the chocolate cravings. That’s why I chose to add in the Purple sweet potatoes and beets to fill my body with needed nutrition during these phases. You can learn more about my process with food prepping for your period in my last blog post, here.

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 & 1/2 cups of kidney beans

• 1/2 cup of oat flour

• 1 small sweet potato or 1/2 large one

• 1 small beet or 1/2 a large one

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/3 cup coconut sugar

• 2 tbs maple syrup

• 1/4 cup oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 bar of chocolate for the chunks

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees

• Drain & rinse beans

• Skin + cut up sweet potatoes and beets, boil them in water together until they are soft enough to the touch

• Mix all ingredients (except the chocolate chunks) into one blender or food processor, blend until smooth.

• Mix in chocolate chunks into the mixture with a spatula

• Pour brownie mixture into a 8x8 pan

• Cook in oven for 15-18 mins until to the touch it, it springs back.

• Let cool outside of the oven and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days (if they last that long!)

Notes:

• you can always add extra chocolate to your brownies,I personally like them less rich.

• I've tried a version with an egg & without, you can add 1-2 for extra binding and protein or keep it plant based.