Creamy Chickpea Flour Peanut Butter Maple Fudge

It seems each time a try a different approach to vegan-friendly fudge, I declare that a new favorite has been born. I used to think dairy was pretty essential to a rich and decadent fudge, but I've since discovered otherwise. In fact, this chickpea flour fudge is reminiscent of maple fudge — the richness comes from the addition of coconut butter and oil and the maple syrup. However, it's nearly guilt-free, because everything in there is good for you and more forgiving to your waistline. You really only need a small piece to satisfy that craving for the richness that sometimes only a piece of fudge will satisfy.

Spicy Brown Lentil Soup with Broccoli

The temperatures are slowly rising, the birds are chirping, and there are even signs of wildflowers starting to bloom in the backyard. All the same, soup still makes frequent appearances on my table and soups are even better when paired with salads, so you get the best of both worlds. Lentils feature so well in soups and broccoli adds vegetable goodness to a spicy and aromatic broth. Nourishing and warming, and really easy to prepare, this might become a favorite soup to grace your tables too.

Apricot Almond Energy Bites

Raw energy nibbles are frequently on hand in my kitchen. Easy to make up, all kinds of varieties and combinations can be used to make up healthy bites that make for a good accompaniment to breakfast or for a snack when a little burst of energy is needed. Dried fruits, nuts and seeds are always a good choice, and all three feature in this easy and forgiving recipe.

Since I find myself munching on dried apricots frequently throughout the day, along with small handfuls of almonds, I decided to combine the two. I added some orange juice for a subtle citrus-y undertone the complements the nutty sweetness of the other ingredients. I couldn't resist adding some fine dark chocolate into the mix too.

My Legume Love Affair #105 - March 2017

I'm pleased yet again to be hosting My Legume Love Affair. This ongoing event was started by lovely Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook, and passed over to me to administer. Great thanks for the support other bloggers have shown by sharing recipes and guest hosting.

Legumes are a mainstay of my vegetarian diet and I never tire of finding new ideas.

To join in the fun, all you need to do is prepare a legume-centric dish. Link back to this announcement, my blog and also Susan's blog, as she is the original founder of the event. Share your creation using the linky tool at the end of this post by the end of the month. Use of the lovely logo, designed by Susan, is optional, but appreciated.

Only one entry per blogger please and it must be vegetarian. Recipes from archives will only be accepted if reposted and updated with the links required.

For your dish to be included in the roundup, it must contain more than just a few tablespoons of legumes. The slight exception to this are legumes such as fenugreek or tamarind that typically are used in smaller quantities. Fresh or dried beans, lentils, pulses, and the sometimes edible pods that contain these seeds, and derivative products such as tofu or besan, along with fenugreek, carob, and peanuts are all acceptable. The possibilities are endless. Please just ensure that your shining ingredient is in fact a member of the legume family. All types of cuisines and courses are welcome, meaning appetizers, sides, mains and desserts are all acceptable so long as the mighty legume is the key ingredient.

I look forward to your creations. And as always, if you would be interested in guest hosting this event, please let me know. I have spots for this year open.