Black Bean Brownies

While the husband is quarantined in Vegas,

I have the opportunity to

try new healthy recipes,

so he'll come home

to some fresh new snack & dinner ideas.

*I foresee him needing a serious detox after this trip*

My two favorite (daily) snacks,

are chips and desserts...

but as I get older, I know I need to tone it back

*a little*

before it all catches up to me.

My girlfriend and I planned an evening of cooking

and baking while he was away, and she told me

about these healthy brownies she makes that would

satisfy my sweet tooth!

WOW.

I must say...

these brownies seem

too good to be healthy.

Vegan Gluten Free Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz. can (~ 1 3/4 cups) black beans, well rinsed and drained
• 2 large flax eggs * We used regular eggs*
• 3 T coconut oil, melted (or sub other oil of choice)
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder (the higher quality the better)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• heaping 1/2 cup raw sugar, slightly ground or pulsed in a food processor or coffee grinder for refined texture *You can also use honey*
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Optional toppings: crush walnuts, pecans or semisweet chocolate chips



Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 12-slot standard size muffin pan (not mini).
3. Prepare flax egg by combining flax and water in the bowl of the food processor. Pulse a couple times and then let rest for a few minutes.
4. Add remaining ingredients (besides walnuts or other toppings) and puree – about 3 minutes – scraping down sides as needed. You want it pretty smooth.
5. If the batter appears too thick, add a Tbsp or two of water and pulse again. It should be slightly less thick than chocolate frosting but nowhere close to runny.
6. Evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin and smooth the tops with a spoon or your finger.
7. Optional: Sprinkle with crushed walnuts, pecans or chocolate chips.
8. Bake for 20-26 minutes or until the tops are dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides. I found mine took about 25.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes before removing from pan. They will be tender, so remove gently with a fork. The insides are meant to be very fudgy, so don’t be concerned if they seem too moist – that’s the point. Plus, they’re vegan so it doesn’t really matter.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. Refrigerate to keep longer.

Our finished product paired with a

Sunnybrook Organic Rose

Indulge in these brownies guilt free!

Bon Appetite!

xo



Gettin' Nailed

 

 

And no..

I'm not referring to anything sexual

*for a change*

 

Some women have a routine of getting

manicures and/or pedicures regularly.

 

Then there are others who only do it occasionally,

 like for a special event.

 

 Getting a manicure or pedicure can be a wonderful stress relieving way to indulge a bit.

 

Whenever I have an event or upcoming trip,

I hit up 'The Nail Shop'

on Vine St. and Carlton in St. Catharines.

 

The two ladies, both named Monica,

do an amazing job with "hip" designs.

 

The quality job done at this particular place,

always lasts me 3 weeks.

I get gel nails every time,

as I don't have any nails of my own.

 

 

Trip Nails

 

 

Christmas Party Nails

 

 

 

Cuvee Nails

 

 

Nautical Birthday Nails



I LOVE trying out new nail designs

and colors.

 

I can't wait to go back and get the hot pink

for Vegas in May.

 

 

If your looking for a great nail salon,

I'd highly recommend 'the Monica's'

aka "The Nail Shop".

 

Now go get nailed!

 

xo

 



Cuvee.. the Oscars of the wine industry

CUVEE...

also referred to as,

The Oscars of the Wine Industry

 

I have been fortunate to attend

the last 7 years.

 

 Cuvee has changed a lot over time,

but a few things have remained the same..

 

Incredible food, top shelf Niagara wines

and a gorgeous array of beautiful dresses 

and stylish suits.

 

 

 

It is Jesse and I's most anticipated annual event,

because it combines all our favorite things;

Food, wine, fashion

& each other.

*loving*

 

It holds a lot of meaning to me,

as this is where I met my life partner.

 

 

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera this year.

All I had was my phone...

and it died shortly after arriving.

 

I wish I could have captured the food presentation..

simply exquisite - I couldn't pick a favorite.

 

We discovered some great new Niagara wines

that will be filling the wine cellar soon.

 

Bachelder Wismer Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay $44.95

G. Maruis Silver Line 2010 EPIC (Merlot/Cab Sauv/Cab Franc) $29.95

Pondview Estates 2011 Bella Terra Chardonnay $22.20

Westcott Vineyards Oaked Chardonnay - yet to be released 

 

The evening led into an after party

with JONESY (a local band)

leading the dance floor

and a champagne/icewine/beer open bar for all attendees.

 

 

 

 

Another great Cuvee!!

 

If I had watched the Oscars beforehand..

 

My dress choice would have been one of the following two:

 

 

Probably a good thing it wasn't!

 

xo

 

http://www.tvcogeco.com/niagara/gallery/the-source/6830-march-source-stories/85607-cuvee-grand-tasting