We all have a favorite season. Whether you are head over heels for autumn, wistful over winter, salivating over spring, or in a steamy romance with summer, we can usually find something to appreciate with each turn of the wheel. As the summer days continue to heat up, let’s lean into the magic of the warmth and light. Even if the heat is not your preference, you can still embrace the many gifts that summer has to offer… swims in the sea, early morning walks, late night campfires, and delicious ice cream cones are just the beginning! And if this is the time of year you yearn for, let’s be sure to make the most of each hot, sunny moment! 

What am I reading?

Secrets of a Scottish Isle by Erica Ruth Neubauer

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781496741189

A Grain, a Green, and a Bean by Gena Hamshaw

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781984863201

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What am I playing on repeat? 

Right Round by Flo Rida and Kesha 

What’s for dinner? 

Antipasto Pita

Ingredients:

• 1 can cannellini beans 
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
• Sun-dried or fresh tomatoes 
• Roasted red pepper, fresh or jarred
• Fresh greens of your choosing 
• Balsamic or red-wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Pita pockets 

Instructions: 

Slice pitas, stuff with beans and veggies, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy! 

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or any neutral oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup rolled oats or oat flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans thoroughly. Pat the beans dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Place the black beans in a food processor or blender along with the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth.

Add the cocoa powder, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt to the blender. Blend again until all the ingredients are well combined. The batter should be thick and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water to help it blend. 

Once the batter is well-blended, stir in the  chocolate chips.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with coconut oil to prevent sticking. Spread the brownie batter evenly in the pan.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. Avoid overbaking. 

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. Enjoy! 

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