Recipe of the Month

-1/4 cup coconut oil (or melted butter)

-1/2 cup chocolate chips

-1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

-14.5- ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)

-2 tablespoons cocoa powder

-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-1/3 cup whole wheat flour

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Add the oil and chocolate chips to a heat-safe bowl. Warm in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir together until the chocolate and oil are blended together.

3. Add the chocolate-oil mixture to a food processor with the rest of the ingredients except the flour. Blend well.

4. Pulse in the flour.

5. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, using a heaping tablespoon in each. Flatten a bit with a spoon and add sprinkles if desired.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Let cool fully before serving.

(Source: Yummy Toddler Food)

-3 cans of black beans (15 ounces each) or 4 ½ cups cooked black beans, rinsed and well-drained

-2 ears of corn, shucked, or 1 cup of canned corn (drained) or defrosted frozen corn

-1 orange, yellow or red bell pepper, chopped

-1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

-1 cup chopped red onion (from 1 small onion)

-½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (about ½ medium bunch)

-1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped (keep the seeds for heat if you’d like, or remove them for mild flavor) or 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled jalapeño

-½ teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime, preferably organic)

-2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime), to taste

-¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

-¼ cup white wine vinegar

-½ teaspoon chili powder

-½ teaspoon ground cumin

-½ teaspoon salt, to taste

-Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, crumbled feta, lime wedges

Directions
1. In a large serving bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss to combine. Taste, and adjust as necessary until the flavors really pop - you can add another teaspoon or two of vinegar (you can use lime juice instead, for more mild flavor) and another ¼ teaspoon salt.

2. Cover and chill to enhance the flavors—preferably for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Serve in individual bowls as is, or with any of the garnishes listed. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days or so; you might want to wake up the flavors with an extra squeeze of lime juice or tiny splash of vinegar.

(Source: Cookie and Kate)