Black Bean Burgers

After being a vegetarian for a year in high school, I am sensitive to the needs of vegetarians and vegans. You have to take in enough protein a day, but you want to make it taste good and SATISFYING. I mean come on, garden salads and tofu only go so far. These burgers are big and filling (especially with all the fiber) and tasty! Add in more hot sauce, if you want to do a spicy version. I just knew I would be sharing these with people who aren't hot sauce fans. :) I added in a few carrots for more texture.

Enjoy!


Ingredients (makes 3 patties):
-1 can black beans, drained and rinsed well
-2 teaspoons minced garlic
-salt and pepper to taste
-Siracha, or any other hot sauce, to taste. I only used about 1 teaspoon.
-5 carrot sticks (optional, but good for more texture)
-1/2 cup bread crumbs
-1 egg

1. In a food processor or blender, blend together the beans, garlic, s & p, hot sauce and carrots. Mix well, until it becomes a paste-like texture.
2. In a bowl, mix in the egg. This will help to bind the ingredients together while cooking.
3. Add in breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together well.
4. In a pan, heat for 3-4 minutes on each side on medium high heat.

Saveur Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

I have GOT to get off of this cupcake kick. I mean, we all do. Cupcakes are the new black, or so it seems.

With that being said, here is one of the most popular flavor combinations that I've noticed in the past year or two. I feel like red velvet with cream cheese is just the trend of the trends. HOWEVER, it's still good. I got the recipe from Saveur magazine's website. We were going to a dinner get together with some friends, and we were on dessert duty. My three goals for my dessert was that it was: 1. something everyone would like 2. nothing too austentacious 3. something asthetically pleasing (versus maybe a cobbler).

You can find the recipe HERE

Enjoy! (and enjoy the cupcake trend...at least it's a cute one!)