"Mock" Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Black Bean Brownies

"Mock" Garlic Mashed Potatoes

From the Food Network - Chef: George Stella

Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bullion (may substitute 1/2 teaspoon salt)
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.

Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about
6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well; do not let cool and pat cooked cauliflower
very dry between several layers of paper towels.

In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot
cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper
until almost smooth.Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter.

Hint: Try roasting the garlic and adding a little fresh rosemary for a whole new taste.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-
recipe/index.html#dialog 

Black Bean Brownies

*Note: I have made a few changes to this recipe showing the ingredients I used
 that I had on hand.  The original had organic and raw options that I didn't use. 
To see original recipe, link is below.

Tools

• Blender or food processor
• 8″x8″ cake pan

(These come out only about an inch thick, so if you like them thicker, double
 the recipe, change to a 9″x13″ pan, and add a little more baking time.)

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 eggs
• 1-½ Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt
• walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Rinse beans very thoroughly and drain them completely. Now do it again.
   You really don’t want any “beany” tasting liquid in your brownies!
3. In your blender, add rinsed and drained beans, eggs, vanilla, coconut oil, sugar
   or honey, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth, then add the salt and pulse
   until well mixed. Batter will be thin.
4. Grease an a 8″x8″ baking dish liberally with coconut oil, and pour batter into
   dish. Top with optional walnuts or other toppings.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top and sides are set, and the insides are just
   a little soft.
6. Cool before serving and enjoy!

http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/grain-free-brownie-recipe