Healthy Craving Kickers for the Chocoholic

I know everyone experiences those days where you can’t kick that craving for your

favorite comfort food. And usually, accompanying that comfort food is loads of

saturated fats, oils and refined sugars.

Today, I’m here to share with you my favorite comfort food alternatives that feature a

whole lot more nutrition without sacrificing those familiar, comforting tastes!

Black Bean Brownies

I don’t know about you, but my absolute weakness is a gooey, soft fudgy chocolate

brownie. Well, really, anything soft, fudgy or chocolatey. A few weeks ago, I was on the

prowl for a delicious recipe that granted me my chocolate fix but without the

unnecessary calories. This one was my favorite. They’re incredibly soft, delicious and

guilt free.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)
2 tbsp cocoa powder (10g)
1/2 cup quick oats (40g)
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (or honey, but not for strict vegans.) (75g)
2 tsp organic cane sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (115-140g) (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor,

and blend until completely smooth. Pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Sprinkle chocolate

chips over the top. Cook the black bean brownies 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least

10 minutes before trying to cut. If they still look a bit under cooked, you can place them

in the fridge overnight and they will magically firm up! Makes 9-12 brownies.

Read more at http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/09/06/no-flour- black-bean-

“Ice” Cream

This is one of my favorite recipes that I have been using for years. It’s extremely

versatile; you can add anything your heart (or sweet tooth) desires to this one. I love it

because it tastes so similar to ice cream but is so much healthier. For the basic “ice

cream” foundation, omit protein and nut butter and add desired ingredients.

Ingredients

1 frozen banana
1/2 cup milk: regular, soy or almond. (may need to add more or less depending on what you add)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon of nut butter

Instructions

Carefully slice the banana into small wheels or chunks. Place in food processor. Add

milk, protein powder and nut butter. Blend until creamy.

Chocolate Frosting

This recipe is great as an alternative to frostings and icings that are notoriously high in

refined sugar, butter or hydrogenated oils. It’s slightly thinner than a typical frosting, but

just as delicious. It goes great on pancakes, cupcakes, brownies (or those days when

you just want to sneak a spoonful out of the container).

Ingredients