All eating, no talking.

We had one of my family's favourites for dinner tonight! Black bean burgers, alfredo fries (as seen on Rachael Ray's show) and a simple spinach salad with a maple mustard dressing. I must say, there wasn't a whole lot of talking during dinner. ;)

Black Bean Burgers

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

19oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 small carrot, finely chopped

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup water

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, saute onions in the 2 tbsp oil. Cook until they are slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute.

In a large bowl, mash together the beans, carrots, cornmeal, bread crumbs, chili powder, salt, water. Add the onion mixture. If it still seems a bit dry add more water a tablespoon at a time.

Form into patties and place on a preheated indoor grill. Cook until both sides are nicely browned.

Alfredo Fries

2 lbs fingerling potatoes, halved

1/4 cup butter

1 clove garlic, minced

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400.

In a large pot, cover halved fingerling potatoes with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes until tender.

While the potatoes cook, add the butter and garlic to a small pot and cook on medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes. Once the potatoes are out of the oven and drained, place them on a baking sheet and drizzle garlic butter over top. Turn all the fries so they are cut side down, and cook for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown.

Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup parmesan cheese over top. Sprinkle with sea salt and lots of freshly ground pepper. Return to oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Maple Mustard Dressing

3 tbsp pure maple syrup

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

3 tbsp peanut oil

1/2 tsp mustard powder

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Whisk all ingredients together and store in an air-tight container in the fridge.