Delicious Autumn Dessert

As the cooler weather signals that autumn is here, Dr. Sinatra and I love to curl up with a mug of hot tea and the occasional sweet treat.  And one of our favorites combines quercetin-rich apples and blood sugar-lowering cinnamon with a surprising fiber source: pinto beans.

Enjoy!

Spice Cake
(Makes 16 servings)

• ¼ cup light olive oil
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 1 (15 oz.) can unsalted or low-sodium pinto beans, rinsed, drained and slightly mashed
• ¾ cup seedless raisins
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground cloves
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 medium apples, peeled and grated

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 13" x 9" x 2" pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined. Pour into pan and bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts per Serving: Calories 180; Total Fat 4.5 g Sodium 17 mg Total Carbohydrate 47.5 g Fiber 3 g; Protein 7.5 g

For more great heart healthy recipes, visit Dr. Sinatra's Web site.