Fresh Start to 2010

I am in major need of crisp veggies, fresh flavors and a little taste of Mexico. This black bean salad scratches all those itches time after time.

Black Bean Layer Salad

You Will Need:

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups-ish iceberg lettuce

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups tomatoes, chopped and seeded

1 cup fresh or frozen corn

1/2 green bell pepper

1 avocado, chopped

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

4 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled

Dressing below

Mix the black beans, oil, vinegar and salt in a bowl

Cover and marinate in the fridge for up to 1 day, stir occasionally

Layer the lettuce, marinated beans, onion, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, avocado cheese and bacon on a platter.

Toss with jalapeno dressing

Jalapeno Dressing

Process in a Cuisinart-

3 pickled jalapenos

1/2 cup packed cilantro

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

Big Green Egg Supper

Santa brought Justin a green egg for Christmas! The inaugural meal included glazed salmon on the egg, brie pasta and green beans.

Salmon Glaze

Saute garlic

Add and let simmer molasses, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a sauce pan

(don't know the measurements but mostly molasses, then brown sugar, then vinegar to taste)

Coat the salmon

Smoke on the green egg

Best Brie Pasta

You will need:

16 ounces corkscrew pasta

2/3 pound of ripe brie

3 plum tomatoes

1 garlic clove

basil

1/2 cup-ish olive oil

Cook pasta according to package

Shave most of the rind off the brie

Cut into meltable cubes

Dice tomatoes

Push garlic through press (or finely mince)

Julienne basil

Toss cubed brie, tomatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil

Drain pasta and immediately pour over brie mixture while hot

Toss until brie melts

*mmmmm-this pasta is SO creamy and good

Green Beans with Pine Nuts

Steam green beans in salted water until tender

Immerse in ice bath

Drain well

Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper

Toast pine nuts in a dry saute pan over medium heat

Top green beans with pine nuts