BLACK BEAN BURGERS
1can (15-oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried cumin
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 egg
Place beans in a large mixing bowl and partially mash using a fork. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Divide mixture into four equal parts and shape into patties.
If grilling, spray grill with non-stick cooking spray. Grill about 5 minutes on each side.
If cooking in skillet or on griddle, spray surface before cooking and again when you turn burgers.
Serve on whole-wheat buns with your favorite salsa, mustard or other low-fat condiment.
HAM SALAD SANDWICHES
1 lb lean ham, finely chopped or minced
4 hard boiled eggs
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1 1/2 cups lite mayonnaise
Chop boiled eggs into small pieces and add to ham. Using a large rubber-type spatula, mix in relish. Add mayonnaise and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve on whole-wheat bread or toast, if desired.
Note: This makes an excellent sandwich spread made with bologna in place of the ham.
EASY STROMBOLI SANDWICHES
1 lb ground beef
1 lb bulk sausage
6 oz tomato sauce
1 cup chopped onion
4 tbsp chopped green bell pepper
3/4 tsp salt, optional
2/3 cup water
1/4 tsp oregano
4 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
French bread or French rolls
Brown meats until all red disappears and drain well. Wipe pan with a paper towel to remove excess grease. Return meats to pan and add tomato sauce, vegetables, salt and water. Cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add oregano and Parmesan cheese. Scoop the center out of the bread so it will hold meat filling. (You can put in a zip-lock type bag and save for another use.) Add the fillling to the bread and top with the mozzarella cheese. Wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil. Bake at 400 degrees for a few minutes until bread is warmed and cheese is melted.
OPEN-FACED GRILLED BACON-CHEESE SANDWICH
4 slices whole-wheat bread
1 tbsp butter
1/8 tsp garlic powder
4 slices American cheese
8 slices bacon, fried and drained on paper toweling
4 thick tomato slices
Melt butter in microwave and add garlic powder. Brush garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Place bread in skillet or on griddle, buttered side down. Top each bread slice with a slice of cheese and two slices of bacon. Grill or fry over medium-high heat until bread is lightly browned and cheese starts to melt. Remove from heat and add a tomato slice on top of bacon.
SWEET AND SPICY BLT
Seasoning mix: 1 tbsp SPLENDA
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. May be stored in refrigerator in an airtight container or zip storage bag.
Sandwich: 8 slices lean bacon (or turkey bacon)
2 tsp seasoning mix (above)
8 slices whole-wheat bread, plain or toasted to suit your taste
2 tbsp fat-free ranch dressing
4 leaves of green lettuce
8 slices tomato
Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate or pan and top each slice with 1/2 teaspoon seasoning mix. Cook bacon in microwave according to package directions to desired doneness. Toast bread, if desired. Spread 1/2 tablespoon ranch dressing on 4 slices of the bread. Layer bacon, tomato and lettuce slices on bread and top with remaining bread slices.
Makes 4 sandwiches.