Before I moved away from processed sugar and store-bought treats, Reese's peanut butter cups used to be a weakness of mine. Now that I have learned more about making healthy treats in my own kitchen, especially healthy raw delights, I can still enjoy the taste of peanut butter and chocolate without the guilt.

No food processor is required to make these raw delights, and best of all, there are only four ingredients, unless you want to count a little dash of vanilla and a sprinkle of sea salt as ingredients. These wonderful and not-too-sweet chocolate and peanut butter treats keep well in the freezer for a good few days. They are actually rather filling, making them a perfect protein-packed light breakfast on the run or as a snack whenever the craving hits. I have a weakness for peanut butter, but if you wish, you can use almond or cashew butter instead. Using a fine dark chocolate is key for the recipe. Inferior chocolate just won't do.

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My Legume Love Affair # 96 - June 2016

Once again I was the host for MLLA for the month of June. Legumes are an important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans alike. A special thanks to all who took the time to contribute a recipe to inspire other cooks in the kitchen. Thanks to dear Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook for starting this event that has now been passed over to me. And we couldn't do it without all of the guest hosts that help out throughout the year.

I'm still looking for guest hosts for 2016 and beyond, so please contact me if you are interested. Let us keep this event going strong.

Now it's time to have a look at the mouthwatering creations received this month.

Masala Dosa

from Yummy Indian Kitchen. This fine South Indian Dosa is stuffed with a potato masala filling and served with chutney and / sambar. Just my kind of meal.

Lauki Chana Dal | Bottle Gourd Cooked in Lentils

courtesy of Siri of Cooking with Siri. This lovely dish featuring bottle gourd and chana dal includes some of my favorite spices. Easy to prepare and a complete meal when served with rice.

Chickpea Olive Salad with Za'atar and Cherry Tomatoes

is my contribution this month. This tangy salad is ideal for summer and features not only buttery soft chickpeas, but olives, tomatoes and some homemade Za'atar.

Turkish-Style Spinach with Creamy Tofu Ricotta

from Janet of The Taste Space. This unique dish features lots and lots of spinach and is topped with a vegan tofu ricotta. Intriguing.

Thai Red Lentil Soup

via The Veg Hog. This gorgeous bowl of lentil goodness is made with homemade red curry paste and topped with a chili infused oil and some crunchy snap peas. I never can resist Thai.

Split Pea Soup with Sweet Potato and Mushrooms

from Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe. Split pea soup is always warming for colder months, though I would enjoy it even during the summer. Packed full of vegetables with some spice and herbs, this is comfort food indeed.

Somalian Shahan Ful (Fava Beans in Xawash Tomato Sauce)

submitted by Shaheen of Allotment 2 Kitchen. Often served with injera bread, this flavorful dish featuring fava beans, tomatoes and spices could easily be eaten just by the spoonful. I'm always interested in learning new dishes.

That concludes the June 2016 edition of MLLA. Kalyani of Sizzling Tastebuds is hosting for July. Please check her announcement to participate.

With the wicked heat and high humidity here in London, Ontario lately, salads are surely in order. And the simpler and healthier, the better. This also happens to be the time of year to take advantage of seasonal vegetables, and as kale is one of my favorites, this leafy and earthy vegetable was the star of this show in a salad that is completely vegan too.

I came across Johanna's Only-Kale-Can-Save-Us-Now salad and was suitably intrigued — not just by the name, but by the flavors. I've adjusted it to some degree, but the creamy base of the dressing retains the essential ingredients of tahini, lemon juice, a bit a maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without actually adding any dairy. It is light, delicious and wholesome.

I'll be making it again this weekend, as it is going to be another scorcher. Served along with chickpea olive salad with za'atar and cherry tomatoes and vegan potato salad dressed with avocado, you will have a perfect summer meal for a number of guests without too much fuss that can easily be enjoyed on the patio.

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This combination of rice, toor dal, vegetables and spices is essentially a south Indian variation of north Indian kitcheree — the classic one-pot meal — with the use of tamarind, coconut, aromatic spices and a tempering characteristic of south Indian cooking. The bisi bele spice mix is a rather unique and wonderfully aromatic blend of coriander, fenugreek, dried chiles and cinnamon that is a snap to make up. A fragrant and warming dish with a bit of heat and a delightful sweet and sour flavor, bisi bele bhath is all you need for a satisfying and nourishing meal. Throw in some crunchy vegetables and roasted cashews for a nutty taste, bisi bele bhath is a south Indian comfort food and gentle for tender tummies.

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