Spicy Black Bean Cakes with Lime-Jalapeno Yogurt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 to 2 jalapeno chiles, finely chopped (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and coarsely grated (2 cups)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
• Lime Sour Cream (see recipe, below)

Directions

1. Heat broiler. In a small skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook scallions until softened, 1 minute. Add garlic, jalapeno, and cumin; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add beans to bowl; mash with a fork or a potato masher, leaving about 1/4 of the beans whole. Season generously with salt and pepper. Fold in sweet potato, egg, and breadcrumbs. Divide into 8 balls of equal size; flatten into patties.
3. Brush a baking sheet with remaining tablespoon oil; place patties on sheet, 1/2 inch apart. Broil 4 inches from heat until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. With a thin metal spatula, carefully turn cakes. Broil until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes more. Serve with Lime Sour Cream.
4. For the Lime Sour Cream: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream with 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice and 1 small minced jalapeno chile (ribs and seeds removed for less heat, if desired) season with coarse salt.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Spicy Black-Bean Cakes - Martha Stewart Recipes

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I used a yam (well, "yam"-- the oranger sweet potato), shredded it somewhere between fine and coarse-- which made the end result more like a mash, but I had been worried the potato wouldn't cook completely otherwise. I made the cakes smaller (ended up with about 16 instead of 8), and substituted 2% Greek yogurt for the sour cream. I took out the ribs and seeds of the jalapenos, and it wasn't spicy at ALL-- kind of a disappointment (tasted like diced green bell pepper in the sauce). The cumin really makes the flavor of the cakes.

Enjoy! That was good times the other night-- thanks Erica! And the rest of you missed out! :)

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

(photo courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com)

Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables - Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

• 2 red peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch wide strips
• 2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 summer squash, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cremini mushrooms, halved
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb mix or herbs de Provence
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
• 1 cup grated fontina cheese
• 1/2 cup grated smoked mozzarella
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/3 cup for topping
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

On a baking sheet, toss the peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and onions with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and dried herbs. Roast until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook for about 6 minutes. Since you will be cooking the pasta a second time in the oven, you want to make sure the inside is still hard. Drain in a colander.

In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, cheeses, peas, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix, until all the pasta is coated with the sauce and the ingredients are combined.

Pour the pasta into a greased 9 by 13-inch pan. Top with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan and butter pieces. Bake until top is golden and cheese melts, about 25 minutes.

*This was super easy and really yummy. I just used regular mozzarella cheese instead of the smoked. I did find fontina cheese but I am sure you could use mozzarella for that too. I read some reviews that said they just used the italian blend of cheese for the whole thing. Whatever you would like.

Chocolate Eclair Cake from "Celebrity Chef Night"

I had a great time last night ladies!!! You are the best! Thanks again Erica for hosting and letting me bring a non theme recipe!

Chocolate Eclair Cake from an old RS recipe book:

1 box Graham crackers
2 sm. pkg. vanilla instant pudding
3 1/2 c. milk
1 (9oz) Cool Whip

Line bottom of a 9x13 pan with crackers. Mix pudding and milk. Beat 2 min. Blend in Cool Whip. Pour half mixture over crackers. Place second layer of crackers over pudding. Pour in remaining pudding, then another layer of crackers. Refrigerate for 2 hours before frosting.

Frosting:
I just used 3/4 of a can of Duncan Hines milk chocolate frosting from the store. Or, sub. your favorite homemade frosting. Chill cake for up to 24 hours before serving. The crackers will get nice and soft after being being in contact with the filling. You will go back for 3rds!

I NEED your recipes :)

:)
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