Protein Packed Veggie Burgers

We may have created the simplest veggie burger recipe to ever exist (you're welcome)! Often, veggie burgers are grain-based, meaning they lack protein, which otherwise helps to keep you feeling full and satiated. These patties, however, provide sufficient protein via the black beans, egg, and ground flax, so you will actually feel full! We recommend making a big batch and freezing them, as these are always a good option when you're tight on time. Get creative with toppings: sliced avocado, hummus, dijon mustard, or a slice of cheese. They are great on a bed of greens or with a whole grain english muffin. Say goodbye to freezer aisle veggie burgers!

Ingredients (makes 4 patties):

Patties before being cooked

• 1 cup shredded zucchini (we used a vegetable peeler and chopped into smaller pieces)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 6 tablespoons ground flax seed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon all purpose meat seasoning (we used a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion, and paprika)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and mash together with a fork. The egg should make it easier to gel together 
2.  Add 1 tbsp of oil to grill or saute pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes per side
3. Serve however you please!

Power Balls

With Halloween around the corner, we decided to share one of our favorite sweet treats. These raw, nutrient packed bites serve as the perfect on-the-go snack or dessert. They solve that after dinner "I just need one bite of something sweet" problem. Because let's be real, we've all been there. We make them by the batch so they're ready to grab n' go. The high quality ingredients listed below offer protein, healthy fats, and fiber for a sweet and satisfying treat. 

Ingredients (makes about 12):

1 cup hazelnuts
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup shredded coconut
10 dates
2 tablespoons cacao powder
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of salt

Topping Ideas:

• Coconut flakes
• sesame seeds
• Chopped pistachios
• Matcha powder
• Cocoa powder 

Directions:

1. Add the cashews, hazelnuts and shredded coconut into the food processor and pulse until it turns to a coarse flour, about 10-15 seconds. With the machine on, add the dates one by one. 

2. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse for about 30 seconds.

3. Scoop a tablespoon worth of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place on a plate. Repeat until all the dough is used up.

4. Place your selected topping option in a small bowl, and roll a ball in the dusting until it is evenly coated. 

5. Refrigerate for about 30 min so they become firm. You can store them in the fridge for weeks, or freeze them for later use.