Spaghetti Squash with Moroccan Spices

1 medium spaghetti squash (4 lbs)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, minced

Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high, uncovered, for 15-18 minutes or until tender.
In a small skillet, saute garlic in butter for 1 minute. Stir in cumin, salt, cinnamon and pepper sauce. When squash in cool enough to handle, use fork to scoop out and separate strands. Toss with butter mixture and cilantro.

Very easy to make. The spaghetti squash cooks nicely in the microwave with no mess.

Nutrition per Serving:
1 serving = 2/3 cup
104 calories
5g fat (3g saturated)
10mg cholesterol
360mg sodium
15g carbs
3g fiber
2g protein

Black Bean/Blueberry Brownies (Gluten-Free)

1 can of black beans, drained & rinsed
3 eggs
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
3/4 cup cocoa
3/4 cup agave nectar
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
2 Tbsp fat-free (or light) sour cream
2 Tbsp melted buter
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all of the above in a blender. Pour mixture in to a small 8x8 pan coated with no-stick spray. Cook at 350degrees for 30-35 mins. Fork or toothpick should come out clean. Let cool before eating and refrigerate leftovers.

Makes a very dense, dark chocolate brownie. Has the same density and texture similar to that of a flourless chocolate cake.

Black Bean Oatmeal Burgers

1 - 15oz can black beans, drained & rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans)
1 - 14.5oz can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
2 green onions chopped (I used 1/4cup chopped vidalia onion)
2/3cup chopped carrots (I grated the carrot)
1 3/4 cup rolled oats

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & brush or spray lightly with oil.

Process the first 8 ingredients until well blended. (I used my hand mixer instead of the blender. It took a little longer & splashed a bit, but worked just fine)
Transfer to a bowl and mix in oats.

Form into 8 patties. Place on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Carefully flip patties with a wide spatula. Place under broiler for another 1-2 minutes each side until browned.
(Be careful not to burn parchment paper under the broiler)

Makes 8 patties. These were easy to mix together and very tasty. They would be good to make ahead and store in the freezer for quick & easy meals for lunches or busy week nights.