Spicy Quinoa Salad

I am trying to branch out and try new things in my cooking.

I kept coming across recipes with quinoa in them so I decided this was something I needed to try.

I found this recipe on Tasty Kitchen and decided it was too colorful to pass up.

I loved it.  I can't say that it's the most kid-friendly dish, because it's spicy.  But I loved it and I think it would be perfect for a bridal or baby shower, bunco night, book club or some fun get-together like that.  I do have one child who likes spicy food and he ate a whole bowl of it with some tortilla chips.

I'm also a sucker for cilantro and this has the perfect amount.
And the dressing.  Oh my gosh.  My favorite part.

1 1/2 cups cooked organic quinoa (cook according to package directions)
1 Tbs. salt (add when boiling quinoa)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups corn kernels (I used the frozen white corn from TJ's)
1 cup finely chopped sweet bell peppers
1 whole jalapeno, seeded and chopped finely
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onion

*Mix these all together with the cooled quinoa and set aside.

Dressing:
5 Tbs. lime juice
1 tsp. salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. pepper

*Mix well and toss with salad.
Salad tastes better after being refrigerated for a while.

Mexican Black Bean Pasta

 I try to create my own recipes but they often don't turn out.....until now!  My kids didn't complain and my husband loved it along with my friend and her husband that I made come over to try it.

cook 1 package of angel hair pasta

(or what ever pasta your family like)

1 onion 

4 garlic cloves

Chop onion and saute in olive oil. When the onion is soft add 4 garlic cloves.

add:

1 cup salsa

1 can black beans (I used bushes seasoned black beans)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup colby jack cheese

bring to boil

 

add cooked pasta

3 tomatoes diced

1 bunch cilantro chopped

mix and serve

It would also be really good with some shredded or grilled chicken.

Sweet Beans

This recipe came from my mom's good friend, Sandy LeSueur. It's a great recipe if you need something for a group. You can do it on the stove or in the crock-pot. 1 lb. ground beef

1/2 lb. bacon

1 onion

1 giant can Pork and Beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can crushed pineapple

basil and garlic to taste

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

*Brown beef and onion together. Cook bacon and crumble and add to beef. Add beans, pineapple, spices, vinegar and brown sugar. Simmer on stove or put in crock-pot for a few hours.