Chickpea Blondies

Don't let the title alarm you; these blondies taste amazing and are free from gluten, low in sugar and packed with protein. Honestly, you cannot go wrong! Chickpeas or garbanzo beans give the blonde brownies a creamy texture without adding any flavour. Customise the mix by adding your favourite vanilla protein powder to the mix and throw in a chopped chocolate protein bar or 1/2 cup of low-sugar chocolate chips. A chopped or mashed banana or diced dates are delicious additions too.

I promise no one will be able to detect the mystery ingredient, although if you think it will deter friends and family from devouring these blondies in one go, you may want to drop the chickpea bomb...

Chickpea Blondies

Ingredients:

• 400 grams/1 can of cooked chickpeas (or garbanzo beans)
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 of Natvia sweetener (stevia sweetener)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 chocolate protein bar, chopped or 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Grease a small brownie tin with coconut oil or line with baking paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend all the ingredients except for the protein bar or chocolate chips and combine until creamy.
3. Fold in the chocolate and pour the mixture into a tin.
4. Bake in a moderate oven (180 degrees) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Don't overcook the blondies or they will be a bit dry. 
5. Let cool in the tin and then slice, and serve, or store in an airtight container.