Magic Beans: Three Tips for a Perfect State of Bean

Yes, beans are magic! What do I mean by this bold statement? Well, I have long adored and been amazed by the humble yet fabulous bean. For one thing, beans are one of the main reasons I was able to lose over 40 lbs. nine years ago. Their high fiber and low fat and calorie content make them the ideal trimming food. Not only that, they're crazy high in iron, vitamins, and other nutrients. Plus, when prepared correctly, they are absolutely delish!


Beany Tips, Baby:
1. Kombu makes all the difference! Be sure to add this nutrient-rich sea veggie to every pot of beans you cook. It adds minerals and enhances the flavor of beans--in fact, it's what msg was derived from (but of course, kombu is the natural, healthy, totally non-creepy form). Plus, it helps your system digest them much more easily.
2. Soaking makes all the difference! For me, soaking is a must when using dried beans. If I don't take the time to soak them, well, you know the rest. Especially if you were on that trip to New Mexico that one time. Personally, I like to begin soaking them beans in the morning so that they'll be ready for dinner that same day. Simply put plenty of water over dried beans and let them hang out amongst themselves for at least 6-8 hours.
3. Seasonings make all the difference! Beans are delicious when flavored well. Try Mexican, Indian, Italian, Greek, or eclectic flavorings...just to start with! In Radiant Health, Inner Wealth, there are all kinds of bean recipes in each of those categories. Plus, a perennial favorite, "Black-eyed Peas with Kale" that is lowfat and really yummy. Try using bold flavors with your beans such as fresh lemon and lime juice, chopped garlic, and other zippy seasonings to really bring out the flavors.

I hope this edition of the Radiant Health, Inner Wealth blog has inspired you in some small way to bean it up. Because beans truly are one of Nature's perfect foods!

Blueberry Streusel Cake with Lemon Icing

This heavenly cake will knock your socks off! To this day, it's one of my daughter's very favorites.

Recipe from Radiant Health, Inner Wealth

Streusel Topping:
¼ cup each: non-hydrogenated margarine (melted) and organic sugar (or sucanat)
¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
1⅛ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking powder

Cake (dry):
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
1 cup organic “white” sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ tablespoons finely chopped organic lemon zest
½ teaspoon sea salt

Cake (wet):
¼ cup oil (safflower, non-virgin olive, or sunflower)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup nondairy milk
Berry Crucial: 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Lovely Lemon Icing:
1¼ cups organic powdered sugar
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon sea salt


1. In a small bowl, stir the streusel topping ingredients together very well until thoroughly combined and crumbly. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Combine all of the dry cake ingredients thoroughly, making sure to set any lumps straight.
3. Combine the wet cake ingredients very well in a separate bowl. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and combine well, but do not over-mix.
4. Gently stir in the blueberries. Lightly oil a 9.5 x 13.5-inch pan and spread the batter into it. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake. Bake for one hour, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before icing it.
5. To make the icing, begin by removing any lumps from the sugar if necessary. You can do this with your fingers, a fork, or by pouring it through a strainer or sifter. Next, combine all of the icing ingredients together well, stirring with a spoon.
6. When the cake is slightly cooled, drizzle the icing evenly over the top. You can pretend you are Jackson Pollack if you like. Finally, cut the cake and get ready for a serious yum situation.

Serves 12; GF (with substitution)/Blue (according to the health guidelines in my books and Be Radiant program)