Spooky Witches Brew

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat! We all know that come October 31st the something good to eat will most likely be loads and loads of sugar.  This month we're here to offer something good to eat that's spooky, delicious, loaded with protein and of course hidden veggies.  This All Hallow's Eve night, wow your little ones with black bean witches brew and Veggie Wedgie fingers as a pre-trick or treating snack.

Black Bean Witches Brew:

1 cup drained black beans

2 Tbs sour cream

1 clove garlic chopped

2 Tbs chopped cilantro

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt

1 Tbs olive oil

a squeeze of lime

1/4 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend for about 2 minutes or until ingredients are a hummus like consistency. Add more water (about a Tbs at a time) if the dip is too thick.  Put into serving bowl and let chill for at least 20 minutes.

Veggie Wedgie Fingers:

1 bag of your favorite veggie wedgies

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds for fingernails

2 Tbs Black Bean Witches Brew

Cook Veggie Wedgies by following instructions on the bag.  Place fries on your serving dish. Use the bean dip to help keep the “fingernail” in place by dabbing a small amount of dip on the edge of each fry. Place one pumpkin seed or almond sliver over the bean dip and presto, you have spooky witch fingers!

Servings: About 4

Reinvented Caramel Sauce

Reinventing kids classics is what we do best! We take the foods kids love and make a super healthy version the entire family will enjoy.  This month we’ve decided to reinvent a sweet autumn-inspired treat; something that adult and kids alike just can’t get enough of.  It’s a sweet and sticky condiment that pairs well with apples, sundaes and pies.  This month’s Halloween inspired recipea is a nutritiously delicious reinvented caramel sauce!

We’re going to turn your every day fat and sugar infused caramel sauce into a low fat, sugar and dairy free decadent dessert!  Sounds impossible right?  Well we’ve got a secret ingredient: DATES aka: nature’s candy.  Dates are not only sweet and delicious they are packed with fiber, iron and other essential nutrients.  Who knew you could feel so good about serving your little ones a dessert as decadent as Peas of Mind’s re-invented caramel sauce?

Ingredients:

• 20 pitted dates
• ¾ cup of water
• ½ cup of canned coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt to taste

Method:

In a saucepan bring dates and water to a boil. Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until dates are tender.  Pour into a blender (a hi-powered blender is recommended but a food processor can be used, you may just need to simmer the dates for longer).   Blend dates, water, vanilla extract and salt then slowly add coconut milk and blend until smooth and creamy adding water if necessary.  Add more salt depending on desired saltiness of caramel.  Use as a dip for fruit and cookies, atop ice cream, dolloped on your favorite desserts or directly from the blender…it’s that good!

Makes ¾ cup of caramel