Black Bean Tamale Pie

I love this recipe. I found it in a Quick Cooking magazine. It takes about 40 minutes start to finish. The cornbread is my favorite addition.

1/2 lb ground beef/turkey
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 c. salsa
1 pkg. (8.5 oz) corn bread/muffin mix (I use Jiffy)
1/4 c. milk
1 egg
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Sour cream and sliced black olives as a garnish (Opt.)

Brown beef, onion, and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in beans and salsa; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine muffin mix, milk, egg, and 1 cup of cheese. Pour into a greased 9 in pie plate. Bake at 375 for 5-6 minutes.

Spoon beef mixture over crust, leaving a 1/2 inch edge. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 1-2 minutes more, or until cheese melts.

Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and olives. Feeds 6-8.

7 Layer Dip

This is one of my favorite dishes to take to parties. My mom used to always make this on Christmas Eve.

Layer 1: 2 cans refried beans

Layer 2: 2 medium avocados with 2 T. lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper

Layer 3: 1 c. sour cream with 1/2 c. Miracle Whip, 1/2 pkg. taco seasoning

Layer 4: 1 bunch green onions, chopped

Layer 5: 2 or 3 medium tomatoes, diced

Layer 6: 1 can sliced olives

Layer 7: 2 c. medium or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

Zesty Bean Salad

1 can (19oz) black beans

1 can (19 oz) red kidney beans

1 can (19 oz) garbanzo beans

1 can (12 oz) corn

1 c. chopped celery

1/2 c. chopped red onion, about 1/2 of one onion

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

1/2 c. canola oil

3/4 c. sugar

3/4 red wine vinegar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Drain and rinse beans. Put beans, drained corn, celery, onion and parsley in a 2 1/2 quart bowl. In another bowl combine oil, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.; it really is better the next day. Drain off dressing before serving...unless you are in the south and they nearly have a heart-attack when you attempt to get rid of the vinegar. This happened to Jaxon when he took this salad to a potluck at work. He said it was hilarious.