Salsa

Adapted from: Alton Brown

Yield: 6 cups

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12 Roma tomatoes, chopped 

8 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced green chilies
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup dried cilantro or parsley, to taste
1/4 tsp cumin
Red pepper flakes

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Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Easy Rice

I've always been intimidated by making rice on the stovetop.  I don't know why.  But it's really easy!!

Soak desired amount of rice in a bowl for up to 1 hour.  Drain.

Level rice in a pot and add warm-ish water.
Add enough water to reach the first knuckle of your finger, about 1 inch above rice.
The picture shows the amount for brown rice which will need a bit more.  About 1 1/4 inches.

Cook rice over medium-high heat until it just starts to boil.

Turn heat to low (a gentle simmer) and cover.

Cook for 15-18 minutes for white rice.  Brown rice takes about 30-40 minutes.

Leave lid on and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
This allows the moisture to distribute evenly throughout the rice and so you're not left with dry rice on top and mushy rice on the bottom.

Now go enjoy your beautiful rice!!

I like to make a big batch of rice and then freeze it in zip top bags.

Then I warm it in my microwave and I have quick and still beautiful rice!

Pasta al Olio

A simple dish of cooked and drained pasta, usually spaghetti or farfalle, tossed with a few tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper and maybe a bit of basil or Italian seasoning.  If you want take it up a notch, add some sauteed onion, garlic and crushed red pepper and cook until onion is carmelized.  Fantabulous!!!

Black Beans and Rice

3 cups cooked brown rice
20oz black beans, rinsed & drained
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/3 cup green enchilada sauce (to taste)
1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients and heat until warm.

Fried Rice

Makes 6 servings

½ cup onion, minced
3 tbsp cooking oil
6 cups cooked rice
½ cup cooked ham, chicken, pork, or shellfish
¼ cup water chestnuts, slivered
Sliced mushrooms
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 eggs, slightly beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook onion in oil until translucent. Add rice and cook, stirring over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Add meat, water chestnuts, and mushrooms, mix well. Add soy sauce, eggs and seasonings. Cook and stir over low heat until egg is cooked.

7 Layer Bean Dip

Thank you Mom for yet another delicious recipe!

2 10 oz cans refried beans

3 avocados, mashed or 8 oz avocado dip

1 cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

½ pkg taco seasoning

3 med tomatoes, chopped

½ cup olives, sliced

Green onions, sliced

Cheddar cheese, shredded

Spread beans in 9”x13” pan.  Spread avocados on beans.  Mix sour cream, mayo and seasoning together then spread on avocado.  Sprinkle tomatoes and olives on sour cream mixture.  Top with onions and cheese.  Serve with chips.