Corn, Bean & Cucumber Salad

1 can beans (I used kidney, but black would be good too)
1 can corn (or 3 cobs worth cooked and cut)
1 large cucumber diced small
1 large tomato seeded and diced
2 large avocados
sour cream
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 c. cilantro (or more)
2 Tbsp olive oil
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt


Toss all in a large bowl. Serve in a taco bowl with avocados and sour cream.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

3 1/3 c. water

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 1/2 c. dried brown lentils

1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp prepared mustard

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp rice vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

freshly ground black pepper

Put 1/3 c. water in large pot. Add onions and pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder and mix well. Add remaining water, lentils, tomatoes, and the rest of the seasonings. Mix well and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 55 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on whole wheat buns and top with avacados, tomatoes, barbecue sauce and fresh pineapple.

Baked Beans

2 cans pinto beans
1/4 lb ham, cubed
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp salt and pepper
2 cans tomatoes
1 green pepper, diced
1 Tbsp brown sugar

Simmer ham, onion, garlic and beans until onion is tender. Add other ingredients, cover and simmer 30-45 minutes adding water to correct consistency.
Can add pineapple tidbits at the end if desired.

New Years 9 Layer Dip

1 can refried beans
3 avacadoes, mashed with lemon juice
1 bottle salsa
1 pt sour cream with a little taco seasoning mixed in
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 can green chili's
2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 can chopped olives
2 green onions, chopped

Layer all ingredients in serving dish and serve with tortilla chips.

Toni's Taco Salad

2 cans black beans, drained & rinsed
1 large onion diced
1 can corn, drained
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 large bag tortilla chips
1 lb lettuce mix
1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can sliced olives
1 tub sour cream
1/2 cup salsa

Combine beans, corn, tomatoes and olives in large bowl. Mix 1 c. sour cream and 1/2 c. salsa for dressing. Break up chips on plate and top with heaping handful of lettuce. Spoon bean mixture over and top with cheese and dressing.

Zesty Minestrone

1 Bullion cube
2 c. warm water
1/2 c. Italian dressing
1 chopped onion
2 chopped celery stalks
2 chopped large carrots
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed
1 tsp Italian seasoning or basil
1 Tbsp oregano
1 small box small shell pasta, uncooked

Dilute bullion in water. Add everything except pasta. Add water to fill pot and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours (or on high for 3). Stir in pasta and cook 10-15 more minutes or cook pasta separate and add right before serving.

Audrey's Black Bean Soup

2 cans black beans
1 bell pepper
1 small onion
1 can corn
1 c. carrots
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
dash of each: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, marjoram, fennel, cumin, and red pepper.
3 c. cooked brown rice (or barley)

Simmer all for 1 hour or longer, add water to desired thickness. Serve with dollop of sour cream.

Grandma's Chili

4 large cans kidney beans, 1 undrained
1 chopped onion
1 lb hamburger
1 large can chopped tomatoes, drained
2-3 cans tomato sauce
chili powder or chili seasonings to tase

Cook hamburger with onions, drain and add to other ingredients. Simmer for 1 hour, salt & pepper to taste.

Black Bean Burgers

1 can black beans
1 bay leaf
2 tomatoes
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1 3/4 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp oil
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 cup cooked rice (or fresh mushroom)
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 green onion
1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cups bread crumbs


Combine all in food processor and form into patties. Heat in oil about 3-4 minutes on each side.Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, ketchup & mayo.