Lest you think James has abandoned baking for (gah!) supermarket treats, just know that he has been swamped with rehearsals and tech and rehearsals and previews and rehearsals and . . .  Well, you get the picture.  Opening a Broadway show is a very time-consuming endeavor, and  A Time to Kill  is a big one with lots of pyrotechnics, a turntable and lots of light cues.  (Check out the Broadway trailer here.) Anyway, between it all, James has been practically living at the John Golden Theatre.  So he’s had little time for baking.  (Hopefully, after A Time to Kill  opens on October 20, James will be able to share some more recipes!)

But before all the madness with tech and rehearsals and previews began, James created the following recipe for the Company’s last Wine and Unwind in the rehearsal space.  There are a number of cast members who are gluten-free and/or vegan, which is quite the challenge.   But our Backstage Baker is not to be denied — he is all-inclusive!   Herewith, then, is a divine brownie recipe made with — drum roll please —  BLACK BEANS!!

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)
2 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder- dutch or regular
1/2 cup quick oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (Honey will work, but not for strict vegans.)
2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup vegan chocolate chips* (not optional. Omit at your own risk.)
Optional: more chips, for presentation

*  Enjoy Life is a good brand of vegan chips.

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 F.  Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.

2. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.)   No seriously, keep blending.  Stir in the chips, then pour mixture into pan.  Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top.

3.  Bake the black bean brownies for 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. Makes 9-12 brownies.

The happy cast getting ready to enjoy James’ treat!!