Rice & Beans

this is essentially the recipe that's on the back of the Goya black bean can, but tweaked some over time by my husband and myself. This is a staple in our home!

RICE
.: ingredients :.
2 c. rice
4 c. water
1 TB extra virgin olive oil
½ c. sweet onion
dash of flour
dash of salt

.: preparation :.
In a large pot over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until clear and soft. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Stirring occasionally, cook until the water has absorbed fully into the rice, about 20 minutes.

BEANS
.: ingredients :.
1 16 oz. can black beans
1 c. water
1 packet Sazón Goya
2 cloves garlic
1 TB cider vinegar
2 TB extra virgin olive oil
¼ c. sweet onion
¼ c. green pepper
¼ tsp dried oregano
dash of Adobo {optional}

.: preparation :.
In a medium pot, saute onion, pepper, and garlic over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
NOTE: Adjust amount of water added based on your preference- additional water will create more of a broth for the beans. If too much water cooks out during the simmer, additional water can always be added.

END
.: to make the meal :.
Place desired amount of rice on a plate or bowl. Add rice on top. Top with Mexican Cheese Blend if desired.

Almond Cream Cheese Cookies

Can't remember the cookie cook book's name off the top of my head, but these are so tasty:

1 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar 1 egg yolk

1 Tablespoon milk

1/8 teaspoon almond extract

2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour

1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Beat cream cheese with butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in egg yolk, milk, and almond extract. Gradually stir in almonds. Gently stir in almonds. (Dough will be sticky). Divide dough in half; place each half on large sheet of waxed paper. Working through waxed paper, shape each half into 12 x 1 1/2 inch roll. Chill until very firm.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Cut rolls into 1/4 inch slices. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets 10-15 minutes or until edges are golden. (Cookies will not brown). Cool on wire racks.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

orange zest cookies

about 8 minute prep time {using a kitchen aid} and 8 minute bake time! can't beat that for a quick and easy cookie recipe

ingredients
- 1 stick butter {soft}
- ½ c. sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp orange zest
- 1 c. flour

preparation
(1) beat together butter and sugar in mixing bowl.
(2) add egg, vanilla, and orange peel. Beat until fluffy.
(3) slowly add in flour, mixing until just blended
(4) drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheet
(5) bake at 375oF for 8-10 mins.

Caprese Salad

perfect for a side dish to any Italian meal or a great summer appetizer when tomatoes are at their peak

ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes
- 4 TB extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ TB balsamic vinegar
- 1 package fresh mozzarella
- 16 leaves basil
- salt & pepper to taste

preparation
(1) slice tomatoes into ¼ inch slices and arrange on plate
(2) slice mozzarella into ¼ inch slices and arrange on top of tomatoes
(3) slice basil and place over mozzarella
(4) mix vinegar and olive oil, add salt and pepper, drizzle over plate