Another day of no cross training. Couldn't be helped though, we had to go out of town for a show choir competetion in Birmingham. I think I'll walk those dogs around the block before bedtime. They'll like that, and I'll feel less like a slug.
After our program yesterday, I left to drive to Birmingham and spent the whole drive thinking about the foods I love to cook and eat. I like to cook, but I LOVE to feed my friends and family. So here is a simple recipe for today.
RICE AND BEANS: In a saucepan cook 1 cup of good rice. I use Texmati (you can buy it at Kroger, it's a white rice), or you could use brown rice - just don't use Minute Rice! In a skillet, heat approx. 1 tsp of good oil or butter or margarine or whatever you use. Saute 1 small onion (diced) and 1/2 of a sweet bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange, also diced) until soft. Add 1/2 frozen corn, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp basil, and a pinch of cumin. Saute for a couple minutes more. Add 1 can black beans, stir well and simmer about 5 minutes. Scoop some rice in a bowl, add some beans, and garnish as desired. Some great garnishes ideas are salsa, sour cream, fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, hot sauce, diced onions, jalapenos, whatever. Just remember, all things in moderation. This will feed 2-3 people, or 1 person with leftovers. If you eat rice and beans at the same meal, you will get a complete protein and it's low-fat.
One more thing - don't buy bags of grated cheese. Buy a block of cheese, maybe try a different variety than you're used to, and fresh grate it as needed. It tastes much better.