Brownies For Breakfast

I have been very slowly sewing a purse together. I was stymied by the lack of light in my sewing studio (can't sew after dark) and, just yesterday, a pukey Pixie. Here is where my purse progress sits: I try to sew at least one seam every day. The shoulder strap might take a few days to put together. The red pom-pom fringe is a bust. It was a bitch to get the blue on the front flap and I didn't want to frustrate myself inserting more fringe into the seam you see partially pinned in this picture. Lining still to come.

I've discovered a hazard of knitting. Some of you may have encountered this already.

Everybody wants mittens.

When word got out (because I was so proud that I advertised my success on Facebook), I got several requests for mittens for Christmas. This changes some plans, and makes it easier to keep creating in the evening when I can't sew due to the aforementioned lack of light.

So, I did what any self-respecting artist would do; I flipped the virtual bird to my Christmas list and made mittens for myself. And then put them on strings.

I might also have designed and knit half a pair of fingerless gloves, but that's still only a rumour.

What I can admit to doing is feeding brownies and smoothies to my kids for breakfast. They are so not suffering. Recipe to follow.

Smoothie contents: banana, frozen peaches, strawberries, and blueberries, lots of spinach and water to blend.

Brownies (you'll love this!)

3 cups cooked black beans
2 cups dates, soaked in a cup of water
1/2 cup unsalted almond butter (or whatever you have)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups packed spinach leaves
1/3 cup carob (or cocoa) powder

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 pan.
2. Toss all ingredients into food processor and process until it looks like [greenish] brownie batter. Scrap down the sides and/or add more water as needed.
3. Spread into baking dish and bake for 45. I find that the bottom gets a little dark if I do this, so maybe less time or heat? I'm still experimenting.
4. Chill completely before attempting to cut.

Really, how else do you get the good stuff into picky people unless you hide it? I couldn't possibly remember the source of this recipe, but if it's yours then please step up and take credit. I love you.

Bonus: My kids love cookies for breakfast, too. Combine 4 mashed bananas with 3 Tbsp flaxmeal, 1 1/2 cups GF quick oats, and 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Drop onto baking sheet and flatten into cookies. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.