super hero sparkling drink (speedy fast!)

mix:

1/2 a tall glass of key lime sparkling water with
1/2 a tall glass of carrot juice

add ice and serve.
good source of vitamin A.
our favorite soda substitute. try orange or pineapple juices, too!

spicy gingerbread w/ fresh ginger

preheat oven to 350 degrees

saute lightly, about 3-4 minutes:
5 Tbs butter
3 Tbs freshly-grated ginger root (use a microplane grater for best results)
remove from heat

beat together vigorously for 5 minutes:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
beat in the above ginger and butter mixture

in a small bowl, beat together:
1/2 cup firm yogurt
1 large egg
combine w/ the above and set aside

sift together in a large mixing bowl:
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves or allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg

make a well in the center of the dry mixture
add the wet mixture. mix thoroughly but minimally
spread batter into a nicely buttered 8" square pan
bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees. it's done when a toothpick comes out clean.

bean dip

drain:
4 cups heated (hot), cooked beans (pinto, red or kidney)

place in a food processor with the following:
1/2 cup minced onion (1 medium)
4 oz green chiles
1-4 Tbs cider vinegar (use more if omitting chiles)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
dash of tabasco sauce
1 tsp each: cumin, oregano, garlic powder, chili powder
2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, colby, mexican blend, or monterey jack)

process til cheese is melted and mixture is smooth
serve w/ tortilla chips