Candy cane beets and black eyed bean patties

For the ninth day of the cleanse, I started with a fruit smoothie for breakfast and had basil and cashew pesto and pasta from last night's supper for lunch. For supper, I started with a red leaf lettuce and dandelion greens salad and then had candy cane beets and black eyed bean patties. I was unaware there were so many types of beets available and had thought I had picked up regular beets, but it turns out they were candy cane beets - purple on the outside, but striped red and white like a candy cane on the inside! Even though they were much lighter once cooked, they tasted quite similar to regular beets - delicious!

Here is the recipe for candy cane beets (see top picture to left):

3 cups beets, chopped, 1/2 medium zucchini, chopped, 2 medium carrots, chopped, 1 medium onion, chopped, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tbsp canola oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 1 tbsp canola oil in casserole/baking dish. Place remaining ingredients in dish, cover dish, and place in oven to bake for 60 minutes, or until beets are tender.

While the candy cane beets were in the oven, I also cooked black eyed beans (in water, brought to a boil, reduce to slightly lower heat for 40 minutes). Once the black eyed beans were cooked, they were transformed into black eyed bean patties!

Here is the recipe for black eyed bean patties (see middle picture to left):

2 cups black eyed beans, cooked, 1 1/2 tbsp parsley, chopped, 1 1/2 tbsp cilantro chopped, 1 garlic clove, minced, 2 green onions, chopped, 1 tbsp water, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (it was already preheated/baking the candy cane beets). Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until chunky (not creamy). Form mixture into patties and place in a lightly oiled baking dish. Place baking dish (uncovered) in oven and bake for 30 minutes (or more - until patties are slightly browned on top).

While the candy cane beets and black eyed bean patties were baking, I also prepared some wild rice blend rice. Once all the food was ready (see bottom picture to left for finished meal), it was dished up together and was a very tasty and fun meal!