Yoga Retreat, Day 1: Jet Lag Yoga Class, Dinner and Dessert

Vegan and gluten 'burgers' during our yoga retreat! ​

After arriving on the first day of Sagrada’s Yoga Retreat, guests are always a bit ungrounded and in need of some yoga, good food and restful sunset strolls to soak in California’s beauty. I spend that afternoon in the kitchen with Scott as we prepare our first healthy dinner for our yoga retreat guests. I love watching our peaceful yogis blissfully float out after Aaron’s yoga class, comment on the delicious aromas wafting into the yoga room and how grateful they feel to be here at Sagrada.

Our first meal is a healthy spin on the all-American burger and fries. But instead of clogging our arteries and ingesting toxic hydrogenated oils, we make nourishing spicy black bean patties, and baked sweet potatoes fries with a chipotle dipping sauce. For dessert we’re trying a new treat, a vegan rendition of Strawberry Shortcake.

Spicy Black Bean Patties

2 cups black beans ( we use dried beans, soak over night, cook)

1.5 cups brown rice

1 cup cilantro

3 tablespoons flaxmeal

1 jalapeno diced

4 scallions chopped

2 tablespoons cumin

1 teaspoon salt

Blend together. Make into patties and bake on oiled cookie sheet at 450 degrees for 30 min. Baking them at high heat is key. It makes them have a delicious crispy texture on the outside. We serve them with salsa verde and homemade guacamole.