#TestKitchen: Mixed Bean Nuggets

In order to try and provide the boy-o with a variety of proteins we try and include beans whenever we can into his diet, which usually ends up being black beans in things like quesadillas, or brown beans in chili. I stumbled across an interesting recipe the other day for making meatless nuggets which I really liked the idea of since I hate the thought of feeding the boy-o actual chicken nuggets too often. I adjusted the recipe to make it work better for us and the result was a delicious nugget with a crispy outside and soft inside that I can feel good about serving to the boy-o any day of the week!

Mixed Bean Nuggets:

Ingredients: 

• 1 can mixed beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large egg
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup Stove Top Stuffing Mix
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 TSP Montreal Steak Spice
• 1/2 cup grated cheese

Directions: Drain and rinse beans.  In food processor/blender, combine all ingredients until mostly smooth. Remove from food processor, and form into small balls, using about a TSP of the mixture.  Place balls onto oiled frying pan and flatten gently with a spoon into a nugget shape. Cook on medium heat until each side is browned. Serve with some fruit and cut up veggies for a deliciously healthy and kid-approved lunch!

Baby Friendly Zucchini Applesauce Muffins

Muffins make a great snack on the go--they're portable, delicious, and when they're made right, they can be quite healthy too! These muffins were made especially for the boy-o. They've been adapted so that the applesauce replaces the oil, the sugar has been halved, and I've substituted whole wheat flour in place of white flour. They were definitely a big hit and boy-o approved! The muffins stick to the wrappers a little bit because there's no oil, but they're so tasty you'll nibble all the crumbs right off!

Zucchini Applesauce Muffins (With Wholewheat Flour)

Ingredients:

- 3 eggs, beaten

- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

- 1 cup sugar

- 2 cups grated zucchini squash

- 1 TBS vanilla

- 3 cups wholewheat flour

- 1 TSP salt

- 3 TSP cinnamon

- 1/4 TSP baking powder

- 1 TSP baking soda

Directions:

1. Combine eggs, applesauce, and sugar. Mix till well blended. Add in zucchini and vanilla, mix.

2. Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda together. Sift into wet mixture and stir thoroughly.

3. Fill lined muffin trays to half full and bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.