Chickpea Blondies

The whole family will enjoy these nourishing sweet treats while getting their daily dose of vegetables and protein in every bite. They’re also a perfect treat to bake for a friend or a group (e.g, year-end teacher’s gifts!).

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces, drained)

• ½  c almond butter (I liked Justin’s made right here in Boulder)

• ½ c pure maple syrup

• 1 t vanilla

• ¼ c almond flour

• 1 t sea salt (divided)

• ½ t baking powder

• ¼ t baking soda

• ½ c cacao chips (70% cacao, I like Enjoy Life)

Instructions

 Preheat oven to 350° and prepare an 8” square ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Put chickpeas, almond butter and maple syrup in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add almond flour, ½ t salt, baking powder and baking soda. Mix until all ingredients are blended in. Fold in cacao chips. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining ½ t of salt and allow to cool completely before cutting. Makes 16 squares.

TIP: If you want to be completely refined-sugar-free, you can substitute chopped walnuts for the cacao chips or just leave them out.