Chipotle Avocado Black Bean Burgers

I think that I might be mastering the veggie burger..... finally.

I've been exploring the world of the black bean recently and the black bean burger has been been leading me astray.  These patties have made up for all my heartache.  (That sounds like a bad country song)

The chipotle sauce and the avocado make this burger delicious.  The best thing about these burgers is that you can make up a bunch of them and throw them in the freezer for future enjoyment, or for food gift giving. 

Chipotle Avocado Black Bean Burgers:
(Adapted from Skinny Taste- 9ppt+)

6 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice

16 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 bell pepper, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped scallions
3 tablespoon chopped cilantro
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 egg
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup quick oats
1 small avocado

Directions:

Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chipotle peppers, set aside.  Slice your avocado, place it in a bowl and sprinkle with a little lemon juice to keep it from browning.

Make sure the black bean are really dry and mash them up with a fork.

In a food processor, chop the bell pepper, cilantro, onion, and garlic, then add oats, then the egg and spices. Combine with the mashed black beans.

Divide the bean mixture into patties (I got 5), put them on a sheet pan, and freeze overnight.  When you're ready to cook them up, pull them out of the freezer, and cook on a sprayed skillet for about 7 minutes on each side.

Top the burgers with some of the chipotle mayonnasie and avocado slices.

Watermelon Granita

It's officially summertime! Mr. T and I have been snacking on a watermelon for a couple of days.  I love it.  With it being summer in the south we are seeing temperatures that are pushing 100* on a regular basis.  It's the perfect excuse to eat something cold.

I like granitas.  They are easy to make and don't require an ice cream maker.  This one can even be made with a sugar substitute for those watching their sugar intake.

Watermelon Granita:

(Food Network)

Ingredients:

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks

1/2 cup sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Pour into a shallow, wide pan and freeze for 1 hour. Rake mixture with fork and freeze for another hour.

Rake and freeze for one more hour. Rake and serve in cups.