Roasted Potato Salad

This potato salad recipe is one of our FAVORITES! I have no idea where my mom got it from, but I am so glad she found it!! =) Just a little warning, it takes a while to make because you have to chop up the potatoes and then roast them in the oven ... but totally worth it!

4 cups quartered, unpeeled new or red potatoes

6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped green onions

Preheat oven to 400*.

Place potatoes on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spray top of potatoes with cooking spray and sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Bake potatoes for 40 minutes or until gold brown and tender. Stir the potatoes about half way through cooking time. Spray again with cooking spray and put more salt and pepper on them. If double (or triple or quadruple like I normally do) you will have to cook the potatoes a little longer. Just continue to stir every once in a while! Remove from oven and cool slightly.

Combine sour cream, mayo, green onions, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix well. Add potatoes and bacon. Toss gently.

Serve warm or at room temperature. It is also good cold ... but we like it best warm!

To Die For Brownies

 I saw this recipe last week and HAD to try it out! It calls for a secret ingredient ...

Yes! Black Beans!!

These brownies are made with black beans and NO eggs or oil! I thought there was no way that they could taste like brownies, but I just had to try it and see! They were AMAZING!! Plus, you can get the added benefit of protein and fiber while eating your dessert!

2 (15oz each) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 - 3/4 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa (I used Hershy's Special Dark)
1 T. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 (12oz) pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Puree black beans in blender with water until smoothie like consistency. Combine black bean mixture, sugar, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Mix with electric mixer until well combined. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan. 

Bake for 25-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Lydia and Jeff both LOVED them!! I will definitely be making these again and again!