One of my favorite comments to receive on a social media post is, “recipe please!” While I wouldn't go as far as to consider myself an expert in the kitchen, I feel extremely happy when someone is encouraged to eat healthy by simply viewing my posts. Taking it a step further by trying one of my recipes is like the cherry on top. A few weeks ago, I made black bean burgers and guacamole from scratch. This was a first timer for me, and I tell ya, I definitely learned a lot along the way. If you've ever considered making your own black bean burgers, I suggest you continue reading to learn a few tips.

Maybe some of you have made this combo before, and are thinking, 'no big deal.' It is for me! Anytime I make something from scratch, it’s a major deal because I didn’t grow up learning to cook with wholesome ingredients or making meals from scratch. Overall, for the first, the burger was delicious. I learned a few techniques along the way that I will be sure to do next time I make these. I also learned that you can not cut corners; for instance, on a few of my burgers I didn't roll them into a ball before flattening them, those burgers broke apart easily. Freezing the burgers before cooking them also helps with this. I also learned that you must make sure the beans are completely drained and mushed very well. Lastly, I learned that I should add lots of rolled oats to ensure that the beans are not too moist and the mash will stick together well.

Ingredients:

• 1 cans of beans (drained)
• 1 ear (1/3) of Corn
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Rolled oats (or bread crumbs)
• 1/3  white onion 
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 tsp. Cilantro (approx.)
• 1 pinch Cayenne pepper 
•  2tbs.Oil (approx.)

Toppings:

• red onion, lettuce, tomato, or any other toppings you prefer

Directions:

1.  Drain Black Beans (completely).
2. Set aside 1/3 of the can of beans and add the rest to a medium sized bowl. 
3. Use a potatoes masher or food processor to mash black beans.
4. Add left over beans, corn, white onion, garlic, pepper, salt, cilantro, cayenne pepper, rolled oats, and egg to mixture. Mix together.
5. Gather about 1/4 cup of mixture, roll into a ball, and flatten to make black bean burger patty. Make as many patties as desired (freezing some of the burgers is a great option if you're not interested in cooking them all at once.)
6. Add oil to skillet and heat on medium-high temperature.
7. Fry burgers until cooked crisp brown on both sides. 
8. Place on a whole wheat bun and add toppings

Serving: Makes 6 black bean burger patties.  Time:15-20min

Guacamole Recipe:

• 1 Avocado
• 1/3 Onion
• 1/4 Lime 
• 1/4 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1/4 Tomato
• 1tsp. Cilantro (approx.) 

1. Peel and mash avocado in a small bowl.
2. Add onion, tomato, cilantro. Squeeze lime and stir.
3. Sprinkle a garlic powder and Enjoy!

Time:10 min