Quinoa Blackbean Casserole

You know I love a super food... and a new protein source.
Quinoa is my new favorite:

Quinoa, (pronounced KEEN-WAH), is a grain that can be used as a side dish or a main meal. Dried quinoa looks like tiny white pearls, and is sometimes referred to as vegetable caviar. When cooked, it opens slightly and has a texture similar to hearty brown rice.

Quinoa is a great source of iron and fiber. It’s great in a cold summer salad like tabouli, mixed up with some stir-fried veggies, or plain, cooked in water or broth.

This week I tried a dish I call Quinoa Blackbean Casserole.

2 cans blackbeans
1 small can green chilis
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, grated
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons flaxseed
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons curry
2 teaspoons red pepper
salt and pepper to taste

In food processor, pulse 1 can or beans, chilis, breadcrumbs, carrots, onion and oil. Add eggs.
In bowl sift other ingredients, add mixture and remaining beans. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Healthy Preacher Cookies

My friend and business partner brought me a comfort food staple a week ago---
Preacher Cookies. These devilish delights are laced with lots of sugar and butter
but are so easy and so good that I decided to attempt a health friendly version:

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 c. splenda (or to taste)
1/2 c. plain yogurt
3 lg. tbsp. crunchy peanut butter
3 lg. tbsp. milled flaxseed
1/4 c. dark chocolate cocoa
1/4 c. chopped nuts
1/4 c. chopped dried plums
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. oatmeal

On stovetop, mix and heat for 3 minutes (butter, . Remove from heat and add rest of ingredients. Place on waxed paper by the spoonful. Let cool and ready to eat.

People in the south call these Preacher Cookies because they are fast to cook in case the Preacher drops by unexpectedly... Not sure I have a "Preacher" to stop by but definitely
aids my sweet tooth!