Apple Spice Cake

A moist, delicious cake made with--you guessed it--beans. My adaptation of the pinto bean cake

Ingredients

1 (15 1/2 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 Omega-3 egg
1/4 cup smart balance buttery spread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup ground walnuts
1 tbsp ground flax seed
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cloves
2 cups apple, peeled and sliced

Directions

Puree pinto beans in a blender or food processor with the egg.

In a large mixing bowl, beat smart balance and sugar. Add bean mixture and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients except apples.

Stir in apples by hand.

Bake in tube pan at 375 degrees for 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool completely before attempting to remove from pan

Nutrition Facts: Makes 12 servings. Serving Size 87.5g, Calories 259, Calories from Fat 53, Total Fat 5.9g, Saturated Fat 0.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 240mg, Total Carbohydrates 43.2g, Dietary Fiber 6.8g, Sugars 19.4g, Protein 9.8g, Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 6%, Calcium 5%, Iron 12%

Green Bean Bake

Ok, I have to admit, this does not taste quite as good as green bean casserole. However it is light, quick, easy, and onion and garlic free.

Ingredients

2 (14.5oz) cans No-Salt-Added French Style Green Beans
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp smart balance buttery spread
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil

Directions

In a small baking dish, combine green beans, oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Melt smart balance in a small bowl. Toss in remaining ingredients. Stir to form a topping. Sprinkle on top of green bean mixture.

Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for half an hour, or until beans are warm and topping is golden.

Nutrition Facts: Makes 6 servings. Serving Size 103.4g, Calories 91, Total Fat 6.2g, Saturated Fat 1.2g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 2mg, Sodium 172mg, Total Carbohydrates 7.4g, Dietary Fiber 1.9g, Sugars 1.0g, Protein 2.3g, Vitamin A 8%, Vitamin C 7%, Calcium 5%, Iron 7%

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

My daughter Elizabeth came up with this oven-baked sweet potato 'fry' recipe. Not fond of sweet potatoes, I put off trying it. I shouldn't have. It's very good!


Ingredients

1 yam (ours was 365 grams)
1 Tbsp smart balance
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Cut 1 yam into fries. (Elizabeth's were cut like thick potato chips)

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until soft enough to be cut easily with a spatula.

Toss fries with melted Smart Balance, sugar, and cinnamon. Bake for an additional five minutes.

Nutrition Facts: Makes 3 servings, Serving Size 130.7g, Calories 182, Total Fat 3.2g, Saturated Fat 0.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 40mg, Total Carbohydrates 37.4g, Dietary Fiber 6.0g, Sugars 2.8g, Protein 1.9g, Vitamin A 6%, Vitamin C 25%,Calcium 4%,Iron 4%

Pepperjack Potatoes Au Gratin

A spicier version of au gratin potatoes. Onion-free for those sensitive to alliums.

Ingredients

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup smart balance buttery spread
2 1/2 oz carrots, pureed (baby food)
1 tbsp flour
1 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups fat free milk
2 pounds potatoes
1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Melt Smart Balance in a small sauce pan. Add carrots and heat on medium heat. Whisk in flour, celery salt and pepper and heat until bubbly. Add milk and three-fourths of the cheese. Heat until boiling. Boil one minute, stirring constantly.

Peel and slice potatoes. Place in a baking dish. Cover with cheese sauce. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for one hour.

Mix bread crumbs and remaining cheese. Sprinkle on top. Bake for another 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts: Makes 8 servings. Serving Size 223.7g, Calories 255, Total Fat 12.1g, Saturated Fat, 6.9g, Trans Fat 0.0g, Cholesterol 31mg, Sodium 281mg, Total Carbohydrates 25.7g, Dietary Fiber 3.2g, Sugars 5.1g, Protein 11.7g, Vitamin A 43%, Vitamin C 38%, Calcium 30%, Iron 6%