Chickpea Protein Blondies

Hey everyone, long time no blog post! With swim season in full swing (last week we had two meets in three days!), I have had neither the time nor the energy for blogging, or really anything for that matter. Plus, in just one week I will be back in school, so I've been in a scramble trying to finish all of my summer assignments. I suppose that's what I get for putting them off all summer... Anyways, now that I'm back on the swim grind, I figure I should start eating healthier-- you know, a little less Pop-Tarts, a little more protein. The recipe that I am sharing today is just as tasty as my beloved breakfast pastries, but is far less processed and much more nutritionally valuable.

I've tried a few chickpea-based treats in the past, but I've always found them to be a little... bean-y? I'm not quite sure how to describe the flavor, but I do know that I was the only one in my household who could palate it. So, after stumbling upon this recipe for Chickpea Protein Blondies on The Honour System, I must admit that I was a little hesitant. I mean, it does seem rather impossible that a can of garbanzo beans can be turned into a delicious sweet, doesn't it? Despite this belief, I decided to go ahead and make the blondies anyway-- and I'm so glad I did. These protein-packed bars ended up being one of the yummiest (and healthiest) things I've ever baked. I could have eaten the whole pan by myself, but my family actually enjoyed them too (which typically has not been the case when I've tried making healthy desserts). Considering that we currently have Klondike bars in the freezer and they still reached for these, I would say this recipe is a definite keeper. Mom, please add chickpeas to the grocery list, I have more protein blondies to bake.

Chickpea Protein Blondies

Ingredients:

• 1 can (398 ml.) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural or chunky, it doesn't matter)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease a 8x8 in. pan with cooking spray.
2. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, baking powder, and baking soda until smooth (it should be the consistency of hummus).
3. Stir in most of the chocolate chips, then pour into prepared pan.
4. Sprinkle last few chocolate chips and sea salt on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. The edges should be browned but still be soft to touch.
5. Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy!