Yummy “Peanut Butter” Blondies!

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! I have been super strict on my program and I REALLY wanted something that was approved on the clean eating program I am doing that was also super delicious. I was searching around online for ways to make my mom’s famous peanut butter blondie bars, healthified!
I think I’ve hit the nail on the head with this one. But, you can tell me. And don’t be scared of the secret ingredient… The almond butter or peanut butter will mask the flavor of the chickpeas so well. Your guests may not even be able to tell these are gluten-free and good for you (in moderation ;-))
These are not paleo, like most recipes on my blog, BUT they are grain-free. If you can tolerate some legumes in moderation, go for this one!

Yummy Peanut Butter Blondies
(Grain-free, vegan)

Ingredients:

• 1, 15 oz. can chickpeas (drained and rinsed, skins removed)
• 1/2 cup smooth almond butter (or natural, smooth peanut butter)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or cococnut nectar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 vanilla bean pod, scraped OR 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips 

Process:
(Preheat oven to 350° and grease an 8×8″ pan with coconut oil spray or coconut oil.
1. In a food processor, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips. Process until smooth.
2. Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula or spoon.
3. Bake for 20-30 minutes when edges are golden brown. The batter will look a tiny bit underdone, they aren’t!
4. Cool for 30 minutes, then cut into squares and cool on a wire wrack for an additional 30 minutes.

Notes:
*Store in an airtight container on counter for up to 4 days.

21-Day Fix Counts:

1 Yellow
1 Orange
2 Teaspoons