Black Bean Brownies

Need a chocolate fix? Don't want the guilt? I could give you many suggestions, but this is one of my favorites to share because black beans and chocolate are such an unlikely combination. However, the two ingredients pair very nicely together.

Black bean brownies are one of my 'go-to desserts', and this recipe is likely one of the easiest you will find on my blog. While I like to make everything from scratch, this recipe is so foolproof and delicious you'll be keeping recipe contents on-hand at all times. The texture is slightly different than regular brownies, but do not be afraid!

Try serving warm with low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt.    ...Are you ready for this?

Ingredients:

1 can black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed

1 cup water

1 box brownie mix

1/2 cup chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter, or butterscotch chips

Directions:

1. Place rinsed black beans and water in a food processor until pureed.

2. In a large bowl, stir black bean mixture, brownie mix, and chips until well combined.

3. Pour brownie batter into a baking dish as indicated by brownie mix box.

4. Bake brownies at temperature indicated on the box.

Poached Egg & Tomato Sandwich

Sadly, I am not with my mom for Mother's Day this year. However, I bought a rose, made a beautiful breakfast that my mom would have loved, and thought of her and all of the amazing things she has done for me over the years.

This recipe is an incredible way to start your day, and a good one to share with visitors because it is so easy to make. Heck with spending too much time in the kitchen! Wow your loved one with this healthy and quick breakfast treat.

Serves: 2

Ingredients: 

4 eggs

2 Whole-grain English muffins, split

2 teaspoons butter

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced (or 4 slices of a medium tomato)

2 Tablespoons sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Dash sea salt

Pepper, freshly grated, to taste

Directions: 

1. Boil approximately 6 - 8 cups of water in a medium sauce pan. Carefully drop each egg into boiling water. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let eggs sit for approximately 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, toast English muffins. Divide and spread butter on each muffin half.

3. Place fresh tomatoes on each muffin. Top tomatoes with a thin layer of cheese.

4. With a slotted spoon, ladle a poached egg on each muffin half. Sprinkle with a dash a sea salt and fresh pepper.

Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning

I call it 'taco seasoning', but really, you could use this blend to spice up virtually anything. I don't like to use the pre-made mixes in the grocery stores unless I am in a pinch. The sodium (even low-sodium options) leave me parched after a meal. Try making this easy blend from many ingredients that you have in your spice cabinet.  Fajitas, homemade salsa, or breakfast burritos - you name it - this seasoning will be a staple in your spice cabinet.

I love to get my roommate 'Smitty' in the kitchen. A lover of all things Tex-Mex, she made this recipe stating, "Yup - this is easy!" So, go ahead and assemble this seasoning to create your rendition of the perfect taco. Smitty did. It helps when margaritas pair so nicely with these flavors!

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons paprika
3/4 teaspoon oregano
1 3/4 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 dash cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Mix all spices together. Add desired amount to cooked ground meat, chicken, or vegetables. Enjoy!