Growing in the Kitchen

Hearts and Such

Valentine’s Day- the bane of every single girl’s existence.  Not because we dislike, love, or envy our partnered friends, but because there is an entire day when it’s in our face.  We have to hear about who got flowers, who was proposed to, and special evening plans.  Okay, maybe a little envy is involved.  I wish we could go back to grade school, where every mother made their child give a Valentine to everyone, even if you didn’t like them.  In adulthood, Valentine’s Day is a little less forgiving.

Truthfully, I don’t care much for the day, even if I am with someone.  Weird, shiny heart-shaped boxes, white teddy bears with pink ribbons, and red roses – it’s enough to make me want to throw up candied hearts.  I’d prefer homemade things (take note future woo-ers).  Once, in high school, my boyfriend gave me a large heart-shaped box filled with fruit cups.  How sweet!

So, this turns me to the reason for this post: I found a great recipe in one of my favorite magazines that I want to share with you.  Single ladies: instead of drowning your sorrows and tears in a large bag of Dove’s promises, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or (my personal favorite) cappuccino chocolate chip gelato, try a healthier, less guilt-inflicting option.

 

Black-Bean Fudge

1 15 ounce can cooked black beans drained and rinsed (or about 1 ¾ cups cooked beans)

¾ cup carob powder

6 tbs melted coconut oil

4-6 tbs syrup or agave nectar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp sea salt

 

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until very smooth.  Mixture will be thick.  Line 8- by 4-inch pan with plastic wrap, and transfer fudge to pan.  Refrigerate until totally firm.  Cut into squares and serve.  Makes 24 pieces or 12 servings.

 

Per serving: 146 calories; 6.9 g fat; 2.5 g protein, 18.4 g carbs; 4.9 g fiber, 0 cholesterol and 101 mg sodium.

 

Never heard of Carob?  Well, it’s a bean pod with seeds found in the Mediterranean and now also is grown in California.  Carob has hints of cocoa and coffee, and it’s health benefits make it a great alternative to chocolate.   Carob is high in protein and has more calcium then its more traditional counterpart. Also, it is an excellent source of macro and trace minerals copper, manganese, potassium and magnesium.  When it comes to vitamins, carob packs a punch with high levels of A, B2, B3, and B6.

 

I should address the use of black beans since you probably looked at the recipe and thought, “HELL NO”. I promise you, black beans add texture but not flavor.  Using black beans also cuts out the need for adding sugar and milk, and provides additional protein and fiber.  Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.  And yes, my lovey dovey coupled friends, you can use this recipe to woo your sweeties and protect their hearts.



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