Divine "Secret Ingredient" Brownies

So Chocolate Covered Katie has done it again and given me a chance to trick Chris yet again... Let me tell you this, it worked (he had NO CLUE they are healthy and was raving about how good they were).  Well, the secret [flour alternative] ingredient is....

Black Beans!

That's right.  Black Beans.  As in Mexican Fiesta.  But don't let the scare you off!  I tried these around some friends that are not health-fiends at all (and normally very skeptical, mind you) and they had no clue.  These are chocolately, fudgy, and delicious and the perfect all around treat...  I dare you to give them a try.  Trust me, there is so much chocolate in these you would never know!!

As Katie put it, this really is "a recipe that could stand up to a regular sugar-and-flour brownie in a competition." Let me proudly introduce, No-Flour Black Bean Brownies (gluten-free) Ingredients 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining) 2 tbsp cocoa powder- dutch or regular (10g) 1/2 cup quick oats (40g) (See nutrition facts link below for all substitution notes.) 1/4 tsp salt 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (Honey will work, but not for strict vegans.) (75g) 2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup) 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g) 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (115-140g) (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.) optional: more chips, for presentation "Pre-oven" Directions Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.)  Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top.  Cook 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. Makes 12 brownies.* *I found these are best served at room temperature so if you must, put them in the fridge to cool them down.  If they are too warm, they gets too mushy and you need a fork to eat it. For the original recipe see: No Flour Black Bean Brownies

Ethiopian Chicken w/Split Peas

Who knew a Jew from South Jersey could make a mean Ethiopian meal.  Tasty, tasty treat my fellow nommers...

Ethiopian Inspired Chicken

Prep time:  15 min

Cook time:  60 min

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz)
• 1/2 (medium) bell pepper(s), chopped into bite size pieces   
• 1/2 small uncooked onion, chopped into bite size pieces   
• 1 cup(s) fresh mushroom(s), chopped
• 2 cup(s) low sodium vegetable broth

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp curry powder   
• 1 tsp garlic powder   
• 1 tsp garlic powder  
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika  

• 1/2 cup uncooked split pea
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 Tbsp onion(s), finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions

Begin by coating the chicken with olive oil and various spices (minus the ginger and turmeric).  Let marinate while you complete the next steps.

Cook split peas according to directions (2 cups of water). Let simmer for 30 minutes, after which add the miced garlic, finely chopped onions, ginger and turmeric. Let simmer an additional 30 mintes.

With 15 minutes remaining, begin to cook the chicken (3 minutes on each side). Add the remaining veggies in a pan with non-stick spray for 4-5 minutes. Add broth and chicken to pan. Cover and let simmer for an final 5 minutes.  Pour extra broth over chicken and split peas.  Enjoy!

Portobello "Philly Cheesesteak"

So as much as I hate to admit it, yes, I am a Philly girl born and raised - well, South Jersey... but close enough.  While that may not have influenced my sports preferences (GO YANKEES), it sure did influence my taste in food.  That's why when I saw a recipe on Eating Well's website for a Portobello Mushroom Cheese Steak I had to try it!  Friends, it did not disappoint.  The only thing better is a nice ole steak from Pat's in Philly.  

This was Slightly Adapted From Eating Well: "A vegetarian's version of Philly's famous cheese steaks."

The picture really does not do it justice... YUMMY

Ingredients

• 3/4 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 portobello mushrooms, sliced (gills and stem removed*)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground oregano (1 tablespoon if using fresh)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp whole-grain wheat flour
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 oz reduced fat provolone cheese (preferably use the thin slices, but can use shredded)
• 2 Whole Wheat Rolls, split and toasted

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, oregano and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted and soft, about 7 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low; sprinkle the vegetables with flour and stir to coat. Stir in broth and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
3. Remove from the heat, lay cheese slices on top of the vegetables, cover and let stand until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Divide the mixture into 2 portions with a spatula, leaving the melted cheese layer on top. Scoop a portion onto each toasted bun and serve immediately.

*To remove the gills from the underside of the mushroom, use a spoon to scrape them off (FYI - the gills are edible, but removed in this recipe).

**Lesson learned: scrape gently otherwise you will scrap half your mushroom off.  Sad lesson.

Bruschetta Chicken

Earlier this week we grilled 5 chicken breasts and stuck them in the fridge as an easy weeknight prep.  Simple to grill (all you need to do is season with salt and pepper) and you are good to go for a quick dinner prep... just a note, if you're going to take this approach - microwave the breasts (do not stick them back on the grill or in the oven otherwise it'll dry it out).

Now, I just had to think of ways to top the chicken breasts and change it up so we don't get bored.  In scoping Pinterest I saw a recipe for Bruschetta and *ding* there we go!  Talk about an easy and delicious dinner.

Side of green beans coated in Salt, Pepper, and a little Garlic Powder.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts (2-4, depending on serving size)
• 3 Tomatoes, Chopped
• 1/2 - 1 Small White Onion, Chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 2 tbl Fresh Basil, Chopped
• 1 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar (I added a little extra because I love this combo)
• Salt/Pepper

Directions

1. Coat chicken with salt and pepper and cook in a pan for 3 minutes on each side (over medium heat).  Remove from pan.
2. Coat pan with 1 tsp of olive oil.  Once hot, throw in the chopped onions until they become transparent (3-4 minutes).  Add garlic for an additional 1 minute.
3. Lower the heat to Medium-Low and add tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and S&P.  (This step is just to warm the mixture so you don't want to cook it too much longer).
4. Top chicken with Bruschetta Topping and enjoy!  As you can see from the picture, we had a side of green beans and it was the perfect combination.

Overall this is a great, simple dinner for a weeknight as it only takes 20-30 minutes tops to prepare.  Plus, can you really go wrong with anything basil?!

Drunk Mushroom Chicken

Dinner last night was a go-to favorite in this household.  While I love calling it "Drunk Mushroom Chicken" in all actuality it's just a White Wine, Mushroom Sauce that is absolutely delicious.  Easy to make because there aren't that many ingredients - this recipe takes a total of about 45 minutes to make (prep time included).  The recipe below is for 2 servings, but adjust accordingly for family portions.

Not the most accurate (or enticing) picture, but to be fair this was my first experiment with the dish.  It has since gotten a lot tastier.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (I used Baby Bella)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Olive oil (I used as a spray to coat the pan)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbl sage
• 1 tbl oregano
• salt
• peper

Directions

• Season chicken with salt and pepper.  In a pan, spray (or pour) olive oil and cook the chicken on each side for 3 minutes.  Remove from the heat and keep covered to keep the chicken warm.
• In the same pan, add more spray and place the onions and mushrooms over heat for 4-5 minutes.  Then, add the garlic for 1 additional minute.
• Pour the broth and wine in, along with the spices, and let simmer for 15 minutes (or until sauce has reduced).  For the final 5 minutes place the chicken back in the saucepan.
• Serve with side and enjoy!

Notes

• We like to serve this with either bread or quinoa to soak up the additional sauce and steamed veggies.  (In retrospect, a great option would be asparagus).

Quick and Easy Egg McMuffins

Always running out the door in the morning?  I know, personally, that extra 10 minutes of sleep in the morning tends to outweigh my desire to make a full out breakfast.  Just ask Chris... I am NOT a morning person so the only interaction I have before my coffee tends to be my snooze button.  But did you know, health experts say the most important meal of the day is breakfast?

Ok, now I just feel like one of those health articles you read on Yahoo while you're bored at work, but my friends it's true!  There's nothing like a kick start to your metabolism like a healthy breakfast of carbs and protein.  So what's a girl (yes, or guy) to do when you'd rather take the time to sleep than sit down and eat?... Pre-made Egg McMuffins!

This is seriously one of the easiest recipes to pre-make and grab in the morning.  All you need - eggs, non-stick spray, a muffin pan, some english muffins, and toppings of choice (cheese, spinach, meats, peppers... you name it).

Egg disks - this is the bread and butter of the recipe, right here.  Ok, not literally bread and butter... but the key ingredient.

Ingredients

• Non-Stick Spray
• 6-12 Eggs
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional - Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika (you choose your spices)

• English Muffins
• Spinach
• Cheese

• Muffin Tin
• Toaster
• Microwave

Directions

• Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and spray the muffin tins with non-stick spray.
• Crack eggs into muffin tins and add seasonings.  Put in the oven for 15 minutes (less time if you like your yolk more runny).
• Let cool before removing from muffin pan and place in tupperware.  I wouldn't keep them in the refrigerator for longer than a week or two so keep that in mind before you make two dozen+ eggs in one sitting.

• When you're ready in the morning, pop an egg disk with some cheese on it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds while you pop the english muffin in the toaster.  
• Put together your sandwich with optional toppings and your good to go!

Summer Bean Salad (w/Shrimp)

Ok, so I officially have a go-to summer treat for you readers!  I found this recipe from the magazine Eating Well's 2010 summer edition and let me tell you, it is tasty.  The perfect light meal for a hot day - this fills you up with the protein from the beans and the lightness of the olive oil/lemon dressing keeps you from feeling bogged down.  The best part - it honestly takes no more than 30 mins to make.  (You know that's an uber-win in my book).  This honestly doesn't even need the shrimp so don't let that scare you away from trying it!

Things to note:

- In my opinion the salad itself can stand on it's own.  It's seriously that good.  Optional idea would be to add quinoa to bulk it up.  I have to give credit to Chris for this one as the boy has become obsessed with the stuff.  It really was a good idea.

- We cut the recipe in half to accommodate for just Chris and I (plus lunch tomorrow), but the recipe below makes 6 servings.  Keep that in mind and cut the recipe in half if need be.

- The original recipe calls for White Beans (aka Canelli Beans) but I only had black beans in my pantry.  Both would clearly work, so pick your preference.

- Try your best to use fresh herbs, but keep in mind dried herbs work just as well.  I ended up using dried herbs, but I can't wait to try it with fresh ingredients.

- Last but not least, while the original recipe calls for a grill I just cooked my shrimp in a pan.  It turned out just as well.  I may or may not have underestimated the amount of shrimp we would eat... keep in mind I wouldn't touch the stuff before I changed my diet so I'm still learning here.  (And yes, Mom, I do eat... *Tangent alert*  As a child I was one picky eater.  As in I would only eat hamburgers... even at a Mexican restaurant.  As a result, I still get shock from my family when I eat food that isn't in the form of a patty covered in ketchup.  Anyway.....)

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons packed fresh oregano, minced
• 2 tablespoons packed fresh sage, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
• 15-20 cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 24 raw shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined

Directions:

1. Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, oregano, sage, chives, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the dressing in a small bowl. Add beans, tomatoes, onions, and celery to the large bowl; toss well.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high or place a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
3. Thread shrimp onto 6 skewers. (If using a grill pan, you don’t need to skewer the shrimp.)
4. Oil the grill rack or the grill pan. Grill the shrimp until pink and firm, turning once, about 4 minutes total. Serve the shrimp on the white bean salad, drizzled with the reserved dressing.