Björn's Europride'09 chocolate cookies

Björn brought this to the Couchsurfing float Jonas organised for Europride'09 in Zürich. It was really good, and I've been waiting for this recipe for many months. It was a pretty nice birthday gift when Björn translated it and sent me on a message. :)

Naomi's Chocolate Macaroons

200g ground almonds
200g sugar
160g chocolate powder

Mix in bowl.

3 egg whites

Whisk until stiff and add to bowl. Mix everything with a fork until the dough looks moist.

Make walnut-sized dollops on non-stick griddle. Dough should be sufficient for two griddles of 30 dollops each.

Bake for *exactly* 13 minutes in pre-heated oven at *exactly* 170 degrees Celsius. Dollops will assume cookie shape and should still be very soft when taken out of the oven.

Enjoy!

Madeline's Cuban-style Black Beans

FRIJOLES NEGROS (BLACK BEANS), ESTILO CUBANO

1 can of cooked black beans (400ml? 10oz?)
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled, finely chopped
1/2 onion, peeled and finely chopped
¼ C. sweet green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/3 tsp. vegetable bouillon cube or powder
1 pinch ground pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1 pinch dried oregano, crushed
1/2 tbsp. sugar
1 bay leaves
1 1/2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt (optional, to taste)

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and gently sauté garlic, onions, and chili peppers for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (If you are lazy to chop things like me, I blended the onions, garlic and pepper into a paste and sautéd this, You have to stir more often and watch out so it does not burn or dry out. More oil may be needed)

2. Add the can of cooked black beans (with juices) and mash together (just a bit) with the rest of the ingredients in skillet. Add the pepper, oregano, cumin, sugar, bouillon, and bay leaves (and salt at the end if needed, after tasting). Add ¼ cup water to keep the sauce from evaporating.

3. Cover and simmer 8 minutes on low heat. Add Vinegar, cover, and cook over low heat for another 2 minutes. Uncover and cook until sauce thickens as desired; add more
water if required. Serve with hot cooked brown or white rice, fried plantains, and sliced avocado, garnished with a slice of lemon. ☺