This, my friend. This meal was so so so so scrumptious. The rice, the beans, the steak...and the spicy, fresh tomatillo salsa. The spicy part is entirely optional, so don't let that scare you away. Flank steak is a fantastic cut of meat - it's inexpensive, takes on flavor well and grills up in a matter of minutes. And tomatillos - they have such a rich and fresh … [Read more...]
Southwest Shells with Beans and Corn
Smoky, smoky, smoky! The flavor in this simple pasta salad gets kicked up a few notches by adding 2 spices to the mayo before you toss it all together. My guess is that you have all of these items on hand you could make this TONIGHT. I adore pantry staple recipes like this one...not only because of how easy and simple they are to put together, but also because they … [Read more...]
Black Bean & Sweet Potato Dip
We're coming up on the spring time of the year when sweet potatoes go on sale for a short window of time, dredging up memories of autumn that have been all but covered by mounds of snow. And these same awesome sweet potatoes remind us that the beauty of spring is here to revive us again. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to use baked sweet potatoes in an enchilada-inspired … [Read more...]
Potato Pancake with Refried Beans
Many years ago, on my first trip to Europe, my in-laws took me to a restaurant built around potatoes. Everything had potatoes. That one experience opened my eyes to what potatoes can do. And I've since experimented, but never as much as I wished. Potato pancakes are such an easy workhorse. You can put almost anything sweet or savory on top of them. If you're looking for … [Read more...]
Sweet ‘n Spicy Cajun Ham & Bean Soup
If you're looking for a soup that is rich in flavor, has a bit of a kick (or a lot of a kick if you are BFFs with your Tabasco bottle) and just the right amount of sweetness, I've got you covered. I love stretching leftover Easter ham as far as it will possibly go. And I can't let the ham bone go to waste...and I always end up making a fantastic soup with beans, the ham bone … [Read more...]
Vegetarian Bean & Corn with Salsa Soup
Last winter, I made this soup nearly every other day because it's THAT good. So easy and healthy and yummy! Because everything is already cooked, the heating option depends on the time you have before dinner. It heats in the microwave, on the stove, or in a slow cooker. It's so versatile, you can serve it with quesadillas, rice or just about anything else. One … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Paella-Style Quinoa and Peas
Quintessential paella has the following key ingredients: green peas, aromatic saffron, and the Latino all-purpose seasoning, Adobo. Don't skip this recipe if you don't have adobo seasoning in your pantry. The first time I heard of adobo seasoning, I asked a friend to show me her bottle. The main ingredients were salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and tumeric. … [Read more...]
Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Please pardon the iphone photo above. I did what I could with it in my photo editing software, but it's still an iphone photo! ;) I've done a number of stuffed potatoes and sweet potatoes on the site over the years, but never these. I love them because they are a great way to use up leftover chili. In your week's menu, you can schedule a chili meal, perhaps with some … [Read more...]
Edamame Coconut Curry
Today is Chinese New Year! And as you know because you are an amazing super-deal-shopper, when a holiday comes around, the sales are good. Right now, soybeans called edamame, coconut milk, and other Asian flavors are readily available at awesome prices! Here's one of our favorite Asian recipes that is gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian. It's easy and fast. It's a … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Vegetable and Bean Gumbo
My husband has begged for me to make this simple recipe since his mother made it over the summer. Now that it's winter, I really see the need to humor him. Blended okra (or sliced if you like the flavor and texture) thickens the gumbo. Corn starch is an acceptable alternative if okra isn't available in your grocer's freezer. Speaking of the freezer, this meal is freezable … [Read more...]