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...]
Slow Cooker Smoky Brisket & Cajun 15 Bean Soup
Oh my smoky good-gracious-ness. Please, take a spoon and reach through the screen for a bite. I picked up half a pound of brisket from a nearby BBQ joint and dropped into the slow cooker with a bag of beans and other pantry staples...and WOW-WY! This is a fantastic way to use up any leftover BBQ meat...or you could just order extra next time you go out! I love pairing … [Read more...]
Freezer Friendly Black Bean Tamale Pie
A Mexican New Year's food tradition is tamales. These are made of corn flour and are wrapped and steamed in a corn husk. They are very pretty and have a wide variety of flavors that can take you from breakfast to dinner. I enjoy tamales as long as someone else makes them. They take up a lot of space to store and cook, are challenging to reheat in large quantities, and … [Read more...]