Quinoa Chocolate Cake

Quinoa in a cake? Yes.  You'd never know it.  It is certainly not sugar free, but with the quinoa added in at least you get a good dose of protein, too!

Ingredients:
-2 c cooked quinoa
-1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
-1 tsp vanilla
-1/2 c earth balance butter
-1/4 c melted coconut oil
-1 c sugar in the raw
-1 c unsweetened cocoa powder (we like Navitas)
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp salt

-2 batches of coconut cream whipped frosting

1.  Preheat oven to 350 and line 2 round cake pans with parchment paper.
2.  In a food processor, combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla.  Blend for 10 seconds to combine.
3.  Add the cooked (and cooled!) quinoa, the melted (and cooled!) coconut oil and butter.  Then blend until completely smooth, 1-3 minutes.
4.  Sift together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the wet ingredient and mix together until well combined.
5.  Divide the batter between two pans and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool.
6.  Once cooled, you can flip out one cake onto the serving platter and top with frosting.  Then flip the second cake on top of the first and cover top and sides with remaining frosting.
7.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Credit:  Making Thyme for Health

Coconut Cream Whipped Frosting

Yum.  And yum again.  And not so bad for you.  Good fats are good!!  This works great for fruit dip, replacement for Cool Whip, or frosting.

Ingredients:
-1 can of coconut cream
-1 tsp vanilla
-2 Tbs powdered sugar (optional)

For a chocolate version, add in cocoa powder to your liking.

1.  Refrigerate the can of coconut cream for at least a couple of hours (until it solidifies).
2.  Scrape/cut out coconut cream into a bowl.
3.  Use a mixer to whip the cream to desired consistency (the longer you whip it, the fluffier it gets).  Add in vanilla and sugar if using.
4.  Serve.  Or eat it with a spoon!

Black Bean Sliders

These are amazing.  Simple and easy.  Seriously.

Ingredients:
-1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
-1 medium sweet potato
-1/2 cup oats
-1/2 tsp garlic powder
-1/2 tsp onion powder
-1/2 tsp pink salt
-pinch of seasoning of your choice (cumin, chipolte chilie powder, etc)


1.  Preheat oven to broil.  Line a baking sheet with foil.
2.  Wrap the sweet potato in plastic wrap and cook in the microwave for 3-7 minutes or until cooked through.  Remove plastic and let cool.
3.  Using an immersion blender or food processor, pulse oats until it turns into a fine powder.
4.  Add spices and salt to oat powder, stir to combine.
5.  Peel sweet potato (the skin should fall right off) and mash in a large bowl with the beans.
6.  Add oat & seasoning mix to potatoes and beans, combine/mash together.
7.  Scoop out equal portions and form into patties.
8.  Cook the patties for 8 minutes, then flip them and cook again for 3 minutes.*

Makes 6 sliders.

*You'll want to watch them closely in the broiler to make sure they don't burn!

Quinoa & Black Bean Tacos

Photo cred: cookingclassy.com

You won't miss the meat!

Ingredients:
-1 1/2 c cooked quinoa
-1 Tbs olive oil
-1 medium onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 c vegetable broth
-1 can diced tomatoes
-1 1/2 tsp chili powder
-1 tsp ground cumin
-1/2 tsp paprika
-salt & pepper to taste
-1 1/2 c frozen corn
-2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

Serve with:
-corn tortilla
-chopped lettuce
-diced avocados
-diced tomatoes

1.  Heat oil over medium high heat.  Add onion and garlic, saute about 3 minutes.
2.  Add in broth, diced tomatoes, cooked quinoa, and spices.  Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
3.  Once thickened, add corn and black beans and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Source:  Cooking Classy

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

This one comes together super quick and makes your whole house smell edible!

Ingredients:
-2 Tbs olive or coconut oil
-2 1/2 Tbs curry powder
-1 Tbs ground cumin
-1 tsp ground cinnamon
-1 medium onion, diced
-3 c diced sweet potatoes
-1 can coconut milk
-1 can diced tomatoes
-1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
-1 cup water or vegetable broth

1.  Heat oil over medium-high heat and stir in spices and onion.  Cook until soft.
2.  Add remaining ingredients to pan, bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minute (until potatoes are soft).
3.  Continue to simmer until curry reaches your desired thickness.
4.  Serve over rice.

Credit:  Tasty Kitchen