A few great recipes

I don't know if you've ever had a black bean burger, but they are great. I made this recipe up and even my meat-loving husband loves these and requests them often.

Black Bean Burgers

1 can black beans (slightly drained)
1tsp granulated garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
1 egg
2 cups (or so) bread crumbs
1 tbs olive oil

Mash black beans (I now use my little food processor) until you don't see too many whole beans. Add spices (more or less to your liking) & egg. Mash up some more with your potato masher or use your hands until this is all well blended. Now add bread crumbs about a half cup at a time until you have a nice thick consistency, but not too dry and not crumbly. Now form into patties the size of burgers (or whatever size your buns are). Fry in a skillet with a tbs of olive oil (or veg oil). Turn when 1st side kinda looks brown and crispy--BUT NOT BURNT--usually about 2 mins or less per side. Serve on buns just like you would hamburgers, with all the same fixings. I really prefer spicy mustard, but I like spicy.

Serve with:

Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges

2-3 large sweet potatoes
1 tbs granulated garlic
1 tsp basil (fresh or dried)
1 tsp oregano
1/2 - 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 tbs oil (veg is better for this one)
2 tsp kosher salt (or whatever you have on hand)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Peel any weird spots off of the potatoes, otherwise, you can leave the peel on. Throw in a large bowl or a large plastic freezer type bag. Mix together all of the spices and oil. Throw in bag or bowl (whichever you put the potatoes in) and stir around until everything is coated nicely. Spread out one layer thick on a large cookie sheet or pizza pan. Cook on each side for about 20 mins. They will be semi-crispy, but very soft inside, when done. Serve with the above black bean burger recipe.

You may look at this and think YUCK! But I promise, there is the nicest combination of sweet with the salty and spicy. You have to give this a try, you will never want plain ole potatoes again, I SWEAR!

This is the most yummy of meals and super healthy (yes, I know there is oil on the potatoes, but if you don't use it they won't get crispy, but if you want you can leave it out and see what happens...). I also have a recipe for homemade hamburger buns if anyone is interested.

Hope you enjoy this.