Toddler Truffles (not just for toddlers anymore!)

Photo Matthew Carden

I wanted to revisit this recipe, it is an old-y but a goody!  If you are trying to get fiber and veggies into the kids, this is the ticket!!  I wanted to give you a recipe that is semi healthy and sweet and this is the one.

These look like chocolate but they are made of beans, a take on sweet  bean paste used in Chinese cuisine. This one’s made from ingredients you probably already have on hand.   This recipe is also very forgiving you can really go to town, making it different every time. Add chia, flax or coconut or orange zest. Try adding corsely chopped pecans or walnuts after blending for a chunky texture. They will never know they are packed with fiber, don’t mention the word “bean” they’ll never know!

Toddler Truffles (black bean brownies)

Recipe from Toddler Café (Chronicle Books 2008)

Makes 1 8×8 pan about 24 balls

1 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, pecans or walnuts

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

pinch of salt

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 300F

Spray or butter an 8×8 pan

Put all ingredients except the eggs in a deep bowl. Using a stick blender start to work the ingredients around, when fully blended add eggs and blend to combine. Don’t over mix.

Pour mixture into the prepared pan.  Bake in 300F 30 to 40 minutes until firm and edges get slightly crisp.  Cool, cut in small cubes or take a spoonful and make small balls in your palms. Dust with powdered sugar.

*Substitute white beans, or pintos or adzuki beans, they can be found in the ethnic aisle of your store.