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JULY 16, 2025

Elevate Summer Hosting with Refreshing Grape Recipes

Gearing up for outdoor entertaining this summer calls for seasonal decor, plenty of seating, yard games and more, but just about everyone’s favorite element is the main attraction: the food.

Make fresh, delicious Grapes from California the star of your summer show to elevate celebrations and get-togethers ranging from your nearest and dearest to entire crowds. Grapes are perfect for incorporating into warm-weather recipes as a flavorful addition to main courses, sides and desserts. Or you can simply serve them as an easy, compatible snack that complements an array of your favorite summer dishes.

For a plant-forward option that’s anything but ordinary, vegetarians and burger lovers alike can enjoy Southwest Black Bean-Lentil Burgers with Charred Grape Salsa. Hearty black bean patties are perfectly complemented by the smoky-sweet flavor of homemade charred grape salsa. Plus, added spice from cumin and chili powder mixed with fresh avocado and cilantro make a satisfying mix of Southwest flavors.

Keep guests’ appetites at bay with fresh, tangy, visually stunning Dill Pickle Marinated Grapes and Cheese that let the natural sweetness of grapes shine through. Each bite pairs that familiar sweet flavor of grapes with the creaminess of Havarti and savory pickles to create a vibrant yet easy appetizer.

A welcome addition to the menu on those hot summer days, FrozenYogurt Grape and Coconut Bites are fun, simple to make and refreshing. Each bite features a sweet California grape dipped in creamy Greek yogurt and rolled in shredded coconut so you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical retreat. All it takes is three ingredients for a cool healthy snack you can share with loved ones.

Discover more summertime recipe solutions by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Southwest Black BeanLentil Burgers with Charred Grape Salsa

Servings: 8

Grape Salsa:

4 cups red or black Grapes from California

3/4 medium white onion, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

1 medium jalapeno pepper, halved, stemmed and seeded

1/3 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves

1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Burgers:

2/3 cup cooked black or green lentils

2/3 cup cooked brown rice

1/2 cup walnut pieces

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed, drained and patted dry

2 eggs olive oil cooking spray

8 wheat burger buns, toasted lettuce leaves (optional)

2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced

To prepare salsa: In grill basket over medium-high heat, grill grapes, onion and jalapeno pepper 10 minutes until lightly charred, stirring occasionally. Let cool then place in food processor with cilantro, lime juice and garlic. Process until finely chopped.

To prepare burgers: In food processor, pulse lentils, rice, walnuts, onion, breadcrumbs, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, beans and eggs until coarsely chopped with some small pieces still visible, scraping down sides and moving mixture from bottom of bowl to top to blend evenly.

Using wet or lightly oiled hands, shape into eight patties. If mixture is too soft, freeze briefly to firm. Coat on both sides with olive oil spray and, in two skillets over medium heat, cook 10 minutes, turning occasionally and coating with additional olive oil spray. Burgers should be browned and

cooked through.

Place lettuce on bun bottoms and top with burgers, avocado slices, grape salsa and top buns.

Dill Pickle Marinated Grapes and Cheese

Servings: 8

3 cups whole Grapes from California

1 1/4 cups dill pickle juice

3 tablespoons minced red onion

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 package (6-8 ounces) dill Havarti cheese, cut into bite-size cubes

1 pinch crushed red pepper toothpicks or small skewers fresh dill leaves, for garnish (optional)

In medium bowl, combine grapes, pickle juice, onion, olive oil, Havarti cheese and red pepper. Stir well then cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours, to marinate, stirring occasionally.

Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature 1 hour, or until olive oil has softened. Stir again then thread grapes and cheese onto decorative toothpicks or small skewers. Garnish with fresh dill leaves, if desired, and serve.

Frozen-Yogurt Grape and Coconut Bites

Servings: 10

Bamboo skewer

60 medium Grapes from California

1 individual cup (5.3 ounces) vanilla or lemon Greek yogurt

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Using bamboo skewer, pierce one grape on tip and swirl stem end into yogurt, covering about 3/4 of grape to show color. Sprinkle with coconut, turning skewer to coat all sides. Place on waxed or parchmentlined tray and remove skewer. Repeat with remaining grapes, yogurt and coconut. Freeze several hours, or overnight. Transfer to tightly covered container and store in freezer.

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BY DONNA ERICKSON

Watch out for the mint! It will invade your garden like an aggressive weed if you don’t keep it under control,” warned my well-meaning neighbors when my kids and I planted our first assortment of herbs. But I say, “Bring on the mint!”

After chives, mint is the next perennial peeking through our soil in May. By July, it has pushed its way beyond its borders and, I admit, duels for territory with other plants. But I celebrate its recklessness and pick it daily, rub it through my fingers, and breathe in its freshness. No wonder toothpaste, soap, candy and chewinggum companies profit from its virtues!

There are countless ways to enjoy fresh mint from the garden, too, including this tasty salad, which I serve as a side with grilled meat or fish. Ask your kids to pick a few sprigs for this recipe and enjoy prepping it together an hour or two before your meal:

CUCUMBER MINT SALAD WITH CHEESE

Serves 8

1 English cucumber (also known as a hothouse cucumber), about 12 inches long

-- 8 ounces cheese such as cheddar, gruyere, havarti or mild provolone

-- 20 fresh mint leaves

-- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

-- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

-- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved through the stem

-- Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish Trim off the ends of the cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, and let your child scrape out seeds with a spoon. Pat the cucumber dry.

To dice, slice each half in fourths lengthwise. Line up the long “sticks” and cut perpendicularly to previous cuts, creating cubes. Dice the cheese in slightly smaller cubes.

Remove any stems from the mint leaves. Cut them using an easy chiffonade technique that makes the mint look like fluffy ribbon: Stack 8 leaves neatly and roll them up lengthwise to make a tight bundle. An adult should carefully cut bundled leaves thinly crosswise to make ribbonlike pieces. Or let kids cut through the bundle thinly with scissors. Repeat with remaining leaves.

In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cheese, mint, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Fold in the tomatoes and taste for seasonings. Chill and serve garnished with a sprig or two of mint. ***

Sisto Depositphotos

Federal Bureau of Investigation. The series

Mr. Wolf has the procedural magic touch). Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki also star.

refresh my memory of what it’s called and where I can see it? - Paul T., via Facebook

A: You are referring to “StartUp,” a drama series on

SPORTS QUIZ

JOANN DERSON

• Many people have written in the tip to use two similarly sized bowls, one larger than the other, to serve cold salads at picnics. You add a few cups of crushed ice to the larger bowl, then nestle the smaller bowl into it, making it “chilled.” In any case, remember: Don’t leave food out longer than two hours.

• Honey has amazing properties, and one of them is its antiseptic powers. You can use it on pimples, even. Just a tiny dab will help keep bacteria responsible for breakouts from taking over.

• If you are doing food platters for your barbecue, consider making several smaller platters instead of one large dish. The large ones are harder to store when you prep beforehand, but a better reason is that the items will not go stale/too warm/too cold quite as fast, and it’s easy to switch out plates throughout the party.

• Here’s a workout tip: Rotate among a few pairs of running shoes to get the best life out of them. Rotating gives them a chance to dry out between wearings, and runners who practice this have a 39% lower chance of injury, according to a Luxembourg research firm.

BY RYAN A. BERENZ

1. RikSmits, known as “TheDunking Dutchman,” spenthis entire NBA career from 1988 to2000 withwhat team?

SPORTS QUIZ

BY RYAN A. BERENZ

2.Geoff Capes, World’sStrongest Man champion in1983 and 1985,competed for GreatBritainatthe 1976and1980 Olympic Games inwhatathletics event?

1. Name the running back from South Carolina who rushed for 5,785 yards in his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles (1997-2003) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-2006).

2. In January 1975, what member of the Boston Bruins was prosecuted for aggravated assault after striking the Minnesota North Stars’ Henry Boucha in the head with a hockey stick?

3.What Dominican infielder, whose career spanned 1982-2007, was the last activeMajor LeagueBaseball player tohavebeen born inthe 1950s?

3. Name the brothers who were heirs to the Revlon cosmetics company and were both killed in separate autoracing crashes in 1967 and 1974.

4.Golfer Peter Thomson, who won the Open Championship five times from 1954-1965,hailed from whatcountry?

4. What jockey rode Real Quiet (1998), Fusaichi Pegasus (2000) and Big Brown (2008) to Kentucky Derby wins?

5.Heplayed tight endfor 11NFL seasons, most notablyfor the New York Jetsfrom 2000-2004. His son, Rocco,threw 23touchdown passes for the 2023IowaState Cyclones.Whoishe?

5. What three players were dubbed the “TripleEdged Sword” of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team that won the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup?

6.What American figureskater, 1995 U.S.women’s singles champion,overcame drug addictionand later becamea circus performer?

6. According to World Athletics rules, track and field athletes cannot achieve records in certain events if the tailwind (“wind assistance”) exceeds what speed?

7. What racecar driver from Colombia started the 1992 Indianapolis 500 from the pole position, then spun out and crashed on the parade lap before the race even began? © 2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

• Got poison ivy? The maddening itch might find relief from coffee grounds or a cooled cuppa. It contains antiinflammatories.

• “Using plastic cups for a crowd? Remember to put out a permanent marker, colorful rubber bands or some other way to mark one’s glass. It’s sometimes hard to keep track when they all look the same.” -- C.L. in Pennsylvania

• “Purchase a small cooler to use for large quantities of sides. I have a cooler advertised as fitting a six-pack of drinks. It’s perfect for holding macaroni salad at our summer beach gatherings with family. I do not use it for anything else, and it retains its cold temperature despite the heat (when everyone remembers to keep the lid closed, of course).” -- R.R. in South Carolina

• “Lemon juice can bring out the flavor of mushrooms. I keep a little spray bottle that I found in the travel section of the drugstore to keep lemon juice accessible in the kitchen. I find it’s good for all kinds of things, like avocadoes and apples. I spray the cut side to keep them from browning. It’s also great for salad greens.” -- T.T. in New

• “The

• “For serving utensils used during picnic lunch, I have two large zip-top plastic bags. I label them ‘clean’ and ‘dirty.’ Anything used to touch raw meat goes in the ‘dirty’ bag. And serving spoons that can be used again to serve are in the ‘clean’ bag.” -- M.A. in Arizona. Send your

Jeremy

Q: What ever happened to the new “Cape Fear” movie with Tom Hardy? Wasn’t it supposed to come out a couple years ago? -- D.E.

A: It was fake news. You probably saw an ad featuring a movie poster of Tom Hardy, Mark Ruffalo, and Emily Blunt starring in the remake of “Cape Fear.” It certainly looked like great casting with Hardy in the menacing role Robert De Niro played in 1991 (and Robert Mitchum played in the original 1962 version). However, as enticing as this remake looked with the amazing Hardy playing a cigar-chomping Max Cady, it never came to fruition. There is a remake in the works but in the form of a series

Trivia Test

BY FIFI RODRIGUEZ

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female goat called?

2. TELEVISION: What is the name of the town in “Gilmore Girls”?

3. GEOGRAPHY: How many states does the Appalachian Trail cross?

4. MOVIES: Which actress voices the character Jessie in “Toy Story 2”?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What is believed to have caused President Zachary Taylor’s death?

6. ANATOMY: What is the most abundant protein in the human body?

7. GEOMETRY: How many sides does a hexagon have?

8. LITERATURE:

Serial killer Hannibal Lecter first appears in which novel?

9. ASTRONOMY: What are planets outside our solar system called?

BY LUCIE WINBOURNE

• The first staplers were invented in the 18th century for King Louis XV of France, though the word “stapler” wasn’t commonly used until 1901. These early devices were cumbersome and often required force to operate, with some even needing a hammer or mallet.

• Animals with smaller bodies and faster metabolism see in slow motion.

• Occupational therapy techniques date to 100 B.C., when a Greek physician named Asclepiades used them to treat mental illness.

• The tradition of playing loud music at an Irish wake originated with the belief that it would ward off evil spirits. Wakes also provided the opportunity to watch over the deceased to see if they would awaken.

• The Firefox logo isn’t a fox, but a red panda.

• If your hat falls off during a tennis match, your opponent has the option to declare it a “hindrance” and redo the stroke.

• The temperature of a shooting star is around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

• In 2019, a British woman married her dog. Her motive? After four failed engagements, 220 dates and a general range of unsatisfying experiences in the search for Mr. Right, she had given up on men but felt she and her dog had saved each other.

• “Crab mentality” refers to the “If I can’t have it, neither can you” line of thinking, due to the fact that when a crab in a bucket attempts to escape, its fellow crabs pull it down.

• Trypophobia is the fear of closely packed holes.

• A flute is technically any open tube that one blows into to produce sound -- even, for example, an empty Coke bottle!

Thought for the Day: “I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.”

-- Ken Venturi

with an entirely different cast. Javier Bardem, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of another conscienceless killer in the 2007 film “No Country for Old Men,” is taking on the De Niro role. The 10-episode series is currently in production in Atlanta with an eventual release on Apple TV+ in 2026. It will co-star Amy Adams (“Sharp Objects”) and Patrick Wilson (“Fargo”).

As for Hardy, his new Paramount+ series “MobLand” has already been renewed for season two, and he has two films in development: “Mad Max: The Wasteland” and a film about Navy SEALS called “War Party.”

***

Q: Why did they cancel “Grosse Pointe Garden Society”? Is there a chance it could wind up somewhere else? -- K.D.

A: According to TVLine, the dramedy about four members of a suburban garden club mixed up in mischief and murder was canceled by NBC after one season. The first clue was probably the fact that it was moved from Sunday to Friday nights after just three episodes. Despite the fact that it came from the creative mind of Jenna Bans, who’s behind hits like “Desperate Housewives” and “Scandal,” it just didn’t catch on. Melissa Fumero (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), who played messy socialite Birdie in the series, calls her character “one for the books” and

BY DANA JACKSON

says she’ll “miss the incredible group of humans” involved with the show. As for the chance that “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” could be rescued by a streamer like Netflix, it’s definitely not unheard of, but the cast and crew seem to have accepted the show’s fate. ***

Q: Will “The Bear” be back for another season on Hulu after the current one? I keep reading that this might be the last one. -- D.A.

A: Hulu hasn’t yet announced if its crown jewel “The Bear” with its 21 Emmy wins will be renewed for a fifth season, but they’d be crazy not to renew it. The decision surely rests in the hands of the show’s creator, Christopher Storer, and his busy cast.

The series’ main star, Jeremy Allen White, might soon be adding an Oscar next to his Emmy if his portrayal of the Boss in the upcoming film “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” is as impressive as expected. His “Bear” co-star Ebon Moss-Bacharach stars in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which will surely make a big splash at the box office.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.

PAW’S CORNER

BY SAM MAZOTTA

BY FREDDY GROVES

DISABILITY BENEFITS SCAMMERS

You know it’s a scam when they want you to pay for their help in filing Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits claims. Then when you receive the benefits, they make you give them a percentage of the money.

Ten thieves were recently nailed for defrauding the VA. The grand jury came back with 49 counts of conspiracy and fraud, including wire and mail fraud. Unfortunately, the ringleader was a VA employee in charge of claims clerks. He was able to give certain claims to certain clerks who could follow his instructions to assign false medical conditions to specific veterans to help get fraudulent disability benefits. Those ratings clerks were able to grant or deny disability claims -- per the orders of their boss.

One of the thieves, while not working for the VA, was in a position to be able to find veterans who were not 100% disability rated. Then, unfortunately, some of the thieves involved were veterans who were pulled into the scam. There was a veteran who was a police officer. There was a veteran who was an airline pilot. There was a veteran who was with the Department of Homeland Security, and several more. They even dragged a wife, mother and sister into the fraud. In exchange for cash upfront, the veterans were all able to receive high disability ratings after being told what to put on their paperwork and what to say during medical exams.

Of course they’re all going to pay. Some of them, if convicted, could get up to five years in prison, and some could receive up to 20 years if convicted of the crimes that included mail and wire fraud. Remember: You never have to pay for help in filing for benefits. You never have to give someone a percentage of what you get. Free help is available from various Veterans Service Organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and even the VA itself. Don’t let yourself be used in a scam against the VA. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

SENIOR NEWS LINE

BY MATILDA CHARLES

Planning for aging in place

Are you in your last home and plan to age in place where you are? Or is there at least one more abode in your future?

A recent study concluded that 84% of seniors plan to stay in their home for the rest of their lives. Planning (and hoping) doesn’t make it definite, of course. Of those who plan to stay, only a quarter have moved to a place that’s actually age-friendly, and a third of respondents have made agerelated modifications to their home. Over a third say they’ll need to make modifications and that cost would be a barrier to making it happen. And what is it people are doing to turn their homes into places where they can stay as they age?

First-floor bedrooms are high on the list, allowing seniors to avoid stairs. Ramps at the outside door are another way to avoid stairs. Grab bars in showers, as well as walk-in showers, are also high on the list, as well as improved lighting, non-slip flooring and doorways wide

enough for wheelchairs.

Those who don’t have those things in their homes want them, of course. The physical home and any needed modifications are not the only considerations about whether seniors can age in place where they are. The community itself is important, with opportunities for new connections and maintaining the ones they already have, resources for support services they might need in the future, transportation to stores and doctors and easy access to family and friends.

If you want to start planning for your own aging in place, there are many resources for assistance, such as AARP’s checklist (www.aarp.org/ home-living/aging-in-placechecklist). The key is to begin early in making your home safe and comfortable for the future, especially if finances are going to be a consideration for large remodeling projects.

ON ROAD TRIPS, PET SAFETY, COMFORT ARE PREMIUMS DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My girlfriend and I are traveling across the country to a relative’s wedding in about six weeks. We decided to make it a road trip so that we can bring along our two small dogs,

you can locate accommodating hotels and reserve rooms. You’ll also want to mark rest stops along the highways and set a timer (every two hours or so) to stop and stretch. Lastly, make sure to include the dogs’ medications, food, toys, leashes and medical records in your packing list, and have them wear their collars with vaccination tag and ID tag in case you’re separated. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Time

• On July 21, 365, a powerful earthquake off the coast of Greece caused a tsunami that devastated the city of Alexandria, Egypt. While no measuring tools for it existed at the time, modern scientists estimate that it consisted of two successive tremors, the largest of which is thought to have had a magnitude of 8.0.

• On July 22, 2003, Qusay and Uday Hussein, sons of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, were killed in Mosul, northern Iraq, after a three-hour firefight with U.S. forces. Both men were believed by many to be even more ruthless than their father, and news of their deaths was met with widespread celebration.

• On July 23, 2021, the Cleveland Indians baseball team announced its name change to the Cleveland Guardians, as a gesture of respect to Native Americans. The team had retired its “Chief Wahoo” logo three years earlier, banning it from future National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum plaques and merchandise sold outside of Ohio.

• On July 24, 1901, William Sydney Porter, better known to literature fans as O. Henry, was released from prison after serving a three-year jail term for embezzling from an Austin, Texas bank. He had previously hidden from authorities in Honduras but returned to America when his wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and supported his young daughter from prison by writing stories.

• On July 25, 1953, New York City issued its first subway tokens, which were used for 50 years before being replaced by the MetroCard.

• On July 26, 1972, singer Johnny Cash met with President Richard Nixon to lobby for prison reform. Cash was never an inmate himself, though he did spend a few nights in jail for minor offenses, but often performed at prisons.

• On July 27, 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was overthrown and arrested. As the leading member of the Committee of Public Safety from 1793, he had encouraged the execution, primarily by guillotine, of more than 17,000 enemies of the French Revolution. The day after his arrest, Robespierre and 21 of his followers met their own fate at the guillotine in front of a cheering mob at the Place de la Revolution in Paris. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Hollywood

BY TONY RIZZO

HOLLYWOOD -- Carla Gugino’s latest role is in Amazon MGM Studios’ “Heads of State,” starring John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, and Jack Quaid. It released on July 2. She’ll next co-star opposite Brad Pitt in Netflix’s “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” which hails from a script written by Quentin Tarantino.

Pitt says he’d be open to reteaming with Tom Cruise. (They starred together in “Interview with the Vampire” in 1994.) But Pitt frankly confessed, “I’m not gonna hang my ass off

airplanes and sh*t like that.”

***

Tom Cruise will finally get his Oscar at the 16th annual Governors Awards, alongside directors Debbie Allen and Spike Lee as well as production designer Wynn Thomas.

Dolly Parton will receive the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which was presented in the past to Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Harry Belafonte, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lewis, Quincy Jones, Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and, most recently, Tyler Perry. They were awarded for their humanitarian efforts that have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.

***

Glen Powell keeps cranking them out! He plays a firefighter in Ron Howard’s upcoming untitled film. His action/thriller “The Running Man” with Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Sean Hayes and Colman Domingo hits screens on Nov. 7. His black-comedy/thriller “Huntington,” with Margaret Qualley and Ed Harris, is upcoming but has no release date yet. In addition, he’s currently shooting J.J. Abrams’ untitled fantasy film with Jenny Ortega and

Samuel L. Jackson. Plus his Hulu comedy series “Chad Powers,” which he co-created with Michael Waldron and also stars in, drops on Sept. 30.

***

In 2024, director Ron Howard, 71, completed his thriller “Eden,” with Jude Law, Ana de Armas, and Sydney Sweeney. For his next film, he is revisiting firefighting as he did in “Backdraft” (1991), which starred Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Donald Sutherland, and Robert De Niro. (It cost $40 million and grossed $152.4 million.)

*** Oscar winner Kevin Spacey (“American Beauty”) is putting his scandals of the past behind him now that everything’s been resolved. He’s directing himself in the supernatural thriller “Holiguards,” co-starring Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson and Eric Roberts. It’s supposed to be the first installment of the “Statiguards vs. Holiguards” franchise, and he’s shooting it in Mexico on a $10-million budget

***

Mark Cuban’s “Shark Tank” chair will be filled by frequent guest shark Daniel Lubetsky, the founder of Kind Snacks, which was sold to the Mars Candy Company for $5 billion. Fifty-sixyear-old Lubetsky is a nurturing father of four. Cuban was a very shrewd shark who steamrolled other sharks by demanding that entrepreneurs give him their immediate answers as he counted down from withdrawing his bid. Is Lubetsky too kind, or will he be maverick enough to beat a Cuban shark?

Budget-Friendly Black Bean Burgers That Don’t Disappoint

PATTI DIAMOND DIVAS ON A DIME

Photo credit: www.JasonCoblentz.com

Let’s be honest. When someone says, “black bean burger,” your first thought probably isn’t “Ooh, yes please!” More like, “Will it taste like sadness and regret on a bun?” But hold up -- these aren’t those dry, flavorless hockey pucks pretending to be burgers. They’re scrumptious, savory and genuinely satisfying. Packed with flavor and -- best of all -they’re not trying to be beef. They’re proudly plant-based and delicious on their own terms.

So, why should they land on your plate?

First, they’re budget-friendly. Two cans of black beans can easily feed a family of four for just a few bucks -- no fancy ingredients needed.

Second, they’re incredibly healthy. Black beans are loaded with protein, fiber, iron and magnesium. They help lower cholesterol, support digestion and keep you full. Mixed with veggies, whole grains and spices, these burgers deliver big nutrition and bold flavor.

And third, people light up when they see a burger. Serve something healthy in that familiar shape, and you’ve got a dinner win.

Now for the magic trick. What’s the secret to a black bean burger that doesn’t fall apart? Bake the beans first. Drying them out intensifies flavor and adds structure. Most folks skip this step -- and end up with mush. Don’t skip it. It’s the difference between “meh” and “more please!”

BLACK BEAN BURGERS

Yield: 6-8 servings

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

2 (14 oz) cans black beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped

1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup shredded pepper jack (or cheddar)

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or Worcestershire sauce)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Hamburger buns and favorite accompaniments

Optional but highly recommended: Sliced pepper jack cheese

Zesty Lime-Dijon Spread (below)

Preheat oven to 325 F. Spread beans on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes to dry them slightly.

Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Saute olive oil, bell pepper, onion and garlic until soft, 5-6 minutes. Let cool, then blot moisture.

In a food processor, combine veggies with spices, breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, coconut aminos, mayo, salt and pepper. Mix or pulse. Add beans and mash or pulse, leaving some texture.

Note: This mixture is sticky -- chilling helps! Refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping. To keep hands clean, oil or wet them slightly. Use wax paper to separate patties and prevent sticking.

Form mixture into 12 patties using a generous 1/3 cup each.

To bake: Place on greased, foil-lined sheet and bake at 375 F for 6 minutes per side. Add cheese for the last 3 minutes.

To grill: Use greased foil, cook over medium-high for 7 to 8 minutes per side. Add cheese for the last 3 minutes. Serve on toasted buns with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato and onion -- or make it your own.

And to top it all off, don’t skip the sauce. Every single taste tester asked for this recipe. Creamy, tangy and just the right touch of sweet, it’s the perfect match for these black bean beauties.

ZESTY LIME-DIJON SPREAD

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lime juice

Pinch of sugar

Whisk together and chill until serving. It’s excellent on burgers, wraps or sandwiches.

These black bean burgers are everything a good dinner should be -- affordable,

Carla Gugino (“The Adventures of Cliff Booth”)

tuesday take ‘n’ bake

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Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Black Olives, Herb & Cheese Blend, Mozzarella, Red Sauce

CHICKEN GARLIC

Chicken, Tomatoes, Green Onions, Herb & Cheese Blend, Mozzarella, Creamy Garlic Sauce

MURPHY’S COMBO

Salami, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Mixed Onions, Black Olives, Mozzarella, Red Sauce

PAPA’S ALL MEAT

Canadian Bacon, Salami, Pepperoni, Sausage, Ground Beef, Mozzarella, Red Sauce

PAPA’S FAVORITE®

Pepperoni, Sausage, Ground Beef, Black Olives, Mushrooms, Mixed Onions, Green Peppers, Red Sauce

Large Stuffed Pizza

Choose from 5-Meat, Chicago-Style, Chicken Bacon, or Big Murphy's

Limited time offer on Monday's only. Excludes Create Your Own. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Large Pizza & Side Item

Recipe or up to 5 toppings on Thin or Original crust and choose from Cheesy Bread, Cinnamon Wheel, or Salad

Limited time offer. Limit 3. Excludes XLNY® and Friday pizza deals. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Canadian Bacon, Pineapple, Mozzarella, Red Sauce in Large or Family Size

Limited time offer or while supplies last. Limit 1. Excludes Tuesday and Friday pizza deals. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

Discount off regular menu price.

In Large or Family Size

Limited time offer or while supplies last. Limit 1. Excludes XLNY® and Friday pizza deals. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

SIDES & DESSERT

SCRATCH-MADE 5-CHEESE BREAD

Fresh Dough with Herb Garlic Spread and 1/4 pound of Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese, side of Marinara

2-LITER PEPSI® PRODUCT

Select your flavor

CINNAMON WHEEL

Original Crust topped with Cinnamon Spread, Oatmeal Crisp Topping, and served with Cream Cheese Frosting

CHIP COOKIE DOUGH

THIN CRUST PIZZA

CHICKEN BACON ARTICHOKE

Chicken, Bacon, Artichoke Hearts, Spinach, Parmesan, Zesty Herbs, Mozzarella, Creamy Garlic Sauce on Thin Crust

GOURMET VEGETARIAN

Spinach, Zucchini, Mushrooms, Artichoke Hearts, Tomatoes, Mixed Onions, Herb & Cheese Blend, Mozzarella, Creamy Garlic Sauce on Thin Crust

GREEK PEPPERONI

Pepperoni, Spinach, Black Olives, Tomatoes, Feta, Zesty Herbs, Mozzarella, Red Sauce on Thin Crust

HERB CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN

Chicken, Spinach, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Feta, Zesty Herbs, Mozzarella, Olive Oil, Garlic on Thin Crust

THAI CHICKEN

Chicken, Zucchini, Mixed Onions, Crushed Red Peppers, Mozzarella, Sweet Chili Sauce on Thin Crust

Limited time offer. Limit 1. Excludes XLNY®, Tuesday and Friday pizza deals and Gift Card purchase/reload. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

FRESH SALAD

GARDEN SALAD

Romaine, Green Peppers, Tomatoes, Black Olives, Mozzarella and Cheddar

CLUB SALAD

Romaine, Bacon, Canadian Bacon, Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Cheddar

CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Romaine, Chicken and Parmesan

Chicken Garlic or Chicken Bacon Artichoke

Limited time offer or while supplies last. Limit 3. Not valid with any other offers, specials, promotions or discounts. Valid at participating locations. Cannot be sold, transferred or duplicated.

CHICKEN GARLIC

Chicken, Tomatoes, Green Onions, Herb & Cheese Blend, Mozzarella, Creamy Garlic Sauce on Original Crust

CHICKEN BACON ARTICHOKE

Chicken, Bacon, Artichoke Hearts, Spinach, Parmesan, Zesty Herbs, Mozzarella, Creamy Garlic Sauce on Thin Crust ®

DEER PARK COMING SOON!

AIRWAY HEIGHTS

509-747-5446

CHENEY

509-235-9093

CLARKSTON

509-758-7272

COEUR D’ALENE

208-765-8878

COLVILLE

509-684-7662

EPHRATA

509-754-2802

HAYDEN LAKE

208-772-0552

LEWISTON

208-746-7272

LIBERTY LAKE

509-926-7272

MOSCOW

208-883-9508

MOSES LAKE

509-765-2802

NORTHWEST BLVD

509-325-2717

OMAK

509-826-0246

PONDERAY

208-255-1557

POST FALLS

208-773-1575

PULLMAN

509-334-9733

SPOKANE/RUBY

509-327-7272

SPOKANE/SPRAGUE

509-924-7272

SPOKANE/N NEWPORT HWY

509-465-1322

SPOKANE/ARGONNE

509-922-3222

SPOKANE/TRENT

509-922-6699

SPOKANE/ROWAN

509-328-7272

SPOKANE/SOUTH HILL

509-535-5885

SPOKANE/FRANCIS

509-489-7272

SPOKANE/DIVISION

509-465-0911